Roar confirm interest in ex-captain McKay

Brisbane Roar have confirmed their interest in signing former captain Matt McKay after the midfielder was released by Changchun Yatai in July.

Reports in Fairfax Media on Friday said the Socceroo could be unveiled as the Roar’s Australian marquee player as early as next week.

According to the report, McKay, 30, is close to signing a deal.

Seemingly responding, the Roar released a statement that simply said they were interested in signing the one-time A-League championship winner.

“We’ve heard the calls from our members and our supporter groups to bring Matt McKay back to the club,” managing director Sean Dobson said.

“At Brisbane Roar, we believe the Australian marquee spot on our playing roster should be filled by a player who our fans are proud to see wearing our orange jersey.

“We are in negotiations with our owners to find the resources to accommodate such a move and we’re hoping we can make this a reality for our members and fans.”

McKay led the Roar to a memorable grand final win over Central Coast in March 2011 before joining Rangers in Scotland.

After an unsuccessful season with Rangers, he spent time in South Korea with Busan I’Park before leaving for Changchun, where his contract was mutually terminated in July.

McKay may opt to stay overseas but a move home could help him in his bid to claim a spot in Australia’s 2014 World Cup squad.

The Socceroos left-back would likely play in midfield should he move to the Roar, potentially creating another headache for Australia’s head coach Holger Osieck.