Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar responded to speculation regarding star striker Jamie Maclaren and his future with the three-time reigning Isuzu UTE A-League premiers.
A report emerged this week claiming Maclaren had rejected a contract extension from City and he was seeking a move overseas.
The league’s all-time leading goalscorer and Socceroo took to social media to dismiss the rumour, writing on Instagram: “Nothing real about this statement…”.
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Vidmar was also asked about the report ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final rematch against champions Central Coast Mariners and the City boss told reporters: “I’m not (aware of anything).”
“To be frank with you, the policy within the club is not to discuss any player’s contracts and I think it’s been here since day one. That’s not going to change.
“Whatever it is within the club, they need to sort it out.”
Maclaren has scored seven big scoring chances this season, the joint-most of any player in the competition (also Bruno Fornaroli – seven for Melbourne Victory and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos – 7 for Newcastle Jets).
He has seven goals to his name through 12 Isuzu UTE A-League rounds.
“We know the player Jamie is and he’s been a great player for the club. Obviously we’d love to keep him here,” Vidmar added.
“At the end, they need to decide what’s in the best interest of both parties. That’s out of my hands and control. Lets see where that goes.”
