Jason Cummings offered megabucks deal to join new club in exotic new country as Aussie club boss admits he could move on
JASON CUMMINGS has been offered a megabucks deal to quit Australia.
The former Hibs, Rangers and Dundee sta has been handed the chance to move to ambitious Indian big-spenders Mohun Bagan.
But although his club Central Coast Mariners' owner accepts they are likely to lose him, he insists he would be surprised if the maverick forward's next adventure is with the Indian Super League club based in Kolkata.
Cummings switched nationalities from Scotland to Australia and played in last year's World Cup.
The 27-year-old has scored 17 goals for his club in just 25 appearances this season and has a release clause, despite having a year left on his contract.
And Central Coast Mariners owner Richard Peli expects plenty of interest in Cummings, who has resurrected his career by going Down Under.
Read More Football Stories
He said: “Who knows where Jason will end up but there’s a good chance he will go.
"I really hope he stays and we are able to sign him up for another two years.
"He currently has a year left and I hope he agrees to stay for at least that amount of time.
"But if he does go I’d be surprised if it was India - it would have to be a big money offer.
Most read in Football
"Ultimately, though, if he wants to go we won’t stand in his way. We are not in the business of preventing players from moving on if they have an opportunity that is good for them and reasonable for us.
"He turns 28 this year and will be looking to shore up his financial situation and set himself up post-football and we understand that.
"If it’s my choice, as I’ve said, I’d love him to stay because he’s a tremendous character and has been great for us on and off the pitch.
"He’s done a great job for us, scored a lot of goals and off the back of that he’s become part of the Socceroos setup and got to play at the World Cup.
"But if our manager Nick Montgomery and his assistant Sergio Raidmundo hadn't put their faith in him, all that wouldn’t have happened.
"They have given Jason the platform to show what he can do - and he’s taken that opportunity with both hands. He’s more than repaid everybody at our club.
"I really like the guy - he’s terrific to have around and selfishly don’t want to see him move on at this point."
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page