Nathan Burns is attracting A-League suitors

Nathan Burns is seeking an A-League return after falling out of favor in Korea. The former Adelaide United attacker, who has been in Greece and Korea since departing the A-League in 2008, is looking for more playing time and a chance to possibly re-enter the Socceroos picture ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

A report today at The World Game identifies Newcastle Jets as the likeliest A-League club to land the 25-year-old want-away. After moving to the K-League’s Incheon United in 2012, Burns has featured just three times while struggling with injuries. He has eighteen months left on his contract, though the fourth place club in Korea’s top flight do not seem to need him.

Despite the link to Newcastle, Jets CEO Robbie Middleby did his best to distance the club from promising what would be a significant signing:

“Nathan is a terrific player and why wouldn’t we bit interested in him? We’ve been tracking him for a while and would like to bring him home, if possible. We spoke with him last year as well and I have always liked him as a player and to see somebody like him play off Emile Heskey would be sensational. He has a lot of qualities and to have him back tin the A-League would benefit the competition as a whole. But certainly nothing has been finalized as yet and we will see what happens.”

Echoing Middleby, Burns’ agent was quoted at The World Game, saying:

“There are several A-League clubs keen on bringing Nathan back to Australia but nothing has been finalized as yet and there is still some work to be done. He just wants to be playing regularly and is considering his position on where to go from here.”

Having started his professional career at Adelaide United in 2006, the Reds seem to be a natural consideration for Burns, who has played less than 60 games since his A-League departure. Whether or not Adelaide have the resources or the interest at this point is unknown while the Jets are speaking on the record.