Usain Bolt may play football trial in Australia

Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt is in talks for a trial to play football in Australia, his agent says.

The Jamaican former sprinter, 31, is negotiating a six-week stint with the Central Coast Mariners, a team in the country’s A-League competition.

Club officials said “if all goes well”, Bolt could be signed for a season. His agent, Tony Rallis, said the trial had been agreed “in principle”.

Bolt has previously trained with clubs in Germany, Norway and South Africa.

The 100m and 200m world record holder, who retired from athletics last year, has previously spoken about his interest in becoming a professional footballer.

Bolt is a fan of Manchester United and one of its former assistant managers, Mike Phelan, is now at the Mariners.

Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said the club had spent four months pursuing Bolt, and that progress on the deal was “going really well”.

Mr Rallis said negotiations continued over Bolt’s pay. News Corp Australia reported that a “multi-million dollar” deal had been proposed.

“The owner of Central Coast Mariners has put his hand deep in his pocket and guaranteed 70% of the salary,” Mr Rallis told local Sky Sports Radio.

BBC SPORT