Cahill has been involved in a public spat with Football Federation Australia, ever since last revealing via his social media accounts that his Shenhua contract had been terminated. 

Inevitably linked with a move to the A-League, Cahill sparked a war of words when he told the Daily Telegraph: "I've seen the record with short-term goals of going back to the A-League and the destruction that it's had on top players' careers who have come back to finish there.

"Del Piero was one of the biggest things to ever happen to the game, but also the worst because it wasn't capitalised on.

"Then to have all these players that have been linked with the A-League — Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard — I don't think the talks even get to the table because there's no vision behind the talks.

"I just need vision, I've never asked for anything but that. The only thing is, some people's vision is not as big as mine and it's tough, because it depends where they want to be. Where does the A-League want to be?"

Those comments prompted a swift reply from FFA chief executive David Gallop, who claimed Cahill had in fact been approached a number of times over the past year. 

Cahill's agent, Ante Alilovic, insisted the player's rejection of a $5 million offer from a Chinese second division team was proof the player is not greedy and it is understood China's protracted transfer window, which closes on 25 February, has restricted his ability to sign in other countries. 

Socceroos star@Tim_Cahillis staying in the Chinese Super League after signing with#HangzhouGreentown.#CSLpic.twitter.com/bsaHG0bbHJ — Chinese Super League (@ChineseFootbaII)February 22, 2016

The 36 year-old joins fellow Socceroos representative Matthew Spiranovic at the 'Green Giants', who finished 11th last season and are coached by legendary South Korean player Hong Myung-bo.