Mariners reject Wilkinson exit rumours

Central Coast Mariners have denied that they have received any offer for club captain Alex Wilkinson.

The A-League leaders, who enjoy an eight-point lead over the Brisbane Roar and the Melbourne Heart, are adamant the veteran defender will remain in Gosford.

Wilkinson, a member of the inaugural Mariners’ squad and the club’s most capped player, spent time on loan at Chinese club Jaingsu Sainty last year and there had been rumours that he may follow Matt Simon to Asia on a permanent basis.

Simon left for K-League club Chunnam Dragons last week, marking his farewell with both goals in the 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory in a deal which was too good to pass up for both player and club.

But the Mariners have vehemently denied that looming financial issues would lead them to consider selling Wilkinson, considered the heart and soul of the club.

“Recent media speculation has linked Wilkinson with a move to the Chinese Super League, however the Mariners are not involved in any discussions with any Club about a future transfer,” a club statement read.

“As the most capped Central Coast player of all-time and one of the Hyundai A-League’s leading defenders, Wilkinson remains an integral member of the Mariners squad and plans both on and off the football pitch,” it said.