Griffiths saga reaches climax
13 December 2010-SBS Exclusive
Protracted negotiations over a 10-match loan contract for Joel Griffiths at Wellington Phoenix are set to come to a head today with Chinese club Beijing Guoan needing to drop a six-figure insurance demand for the deal to go through.
Griffiths provides inside infoShandong seals CSL title
Griffiths, the 2008 A-League Golden Boot, is hoping to use the Phoenix cameo to press his claims for an unlikely spot in Australia coach Holger Osieck's Asian Cup squad, having been overlooked during the Pim Verbeek era.
The spin-off for Phoenix could be some New Year goal cheer as it bids to land a play-off place.
But such is the value of Griffiths to Beijing, at which he scored nine times in 23 games during an injury-affected 2010 campaign, that it is believed to be seeking an injury clause equivalent to the value of his contract in China, as well as his regular wages.
That figure is unsustainable to Phoenix, which is willing to cover his wages but nothing more.
Phoenix claims that a standard insurance policy on the player will cover all eventualities and there is no need for the Chinese Super League side to seek a top-up.
A source close to the negotiation process said: "It will all determined one way or another on Monday. It's deadline time and Joel is hoping that the path can be cleared for him to play.
"He had offers from his old club Newcastle and also Adelaide United but he opted for Wellington. Talks have been going on for six weeks now and it's time for a decision.
"What Beijing is claiming is probably a little extravagant but Joel is hopeful that a compromise can be struck."
Griffiths, who has a year left on his contract in China, is in Sydney awaiting the final verdict, with the source adding: "Joel wants to catch the eye of the national coach going into the Asian Cup.
"He knows it's a bit of long shot but there is still hope for him and he believes he can provide the goals Wellington need to make the top six.
"It's his way of saying to Osieck 'here I am, I'm an option for you. But it all rests on what Beijing decide."
Seventh-placed Phoenix, which takes on Newcastle Jets this weekend, trails Branko Culina's side on goal difference but has played three games more.
It is hoping to unveil Griffiths against North Queensland Fury at Dairy Farmers Stadium on 27 December.
13 December 2010-SBS Exclusive
Protracted negotiations over a 10-match loan contract for Joel Griffiths at Wellington Phoenix are set to come to a head today with Chinese club Beijing Guoan needing to drop a six-figure insurance demand for the deal to go through.
Griffiths provides inside infoShandong seals CSL title
Griffiths, the 2008 A-League Golden Boot, is hoping to use the Phoenix cameo to press his claims for an unlikely spot in Australia coach Holger Osieck's Asian Cup squad, having been overlooked during the Pim Verbeek era.
The spin-off for Phoenix could be some New Year goal cheer as it bids to land a play-off place.
But such is the value of Griffiths to Beijing, at which he scored nine times in 23 games during an injury-affected 2010 campaign, that it is believed to be seeking an injury clause equivalent to the value of his contract in China, as well as his regular wages.
That figure is unsustainable to Phoenix, which is willing to cover his wages but nothing more.
Phoenix claims that a standard insurance policy on the player will cover all eventualities and there is no need for the Chinese Super League side to seek a top-up.
A source close to the negotiation process said: "It will all determined one way or another on Monday. It's deadline time and Joel is hoping that the path can be cleared for him to play.
"He had offers from his old club Newcastle and also Adelaide United but he opted for Wellington. Talks have been going on for six weeks now and it's time for a decision.
"What Beijing is claiming is probably a little extravagant but Joel is hopeful that a compromise can be struck."
Griffiths, who has a year left on his contract in China, is in Sydney awaiting the final verdict, with the source adding: "Joel wants to catch the eye of the national coach going into the Asian Cup.
"He knows it's a bit of long shot but there is still hope for him and he believes he can provide the goals Wellington need to make the top six.
"It's his way of saying to Osieck 'here I am, I'm an option for you. But it all rests on what Beijing decide."
Seventh-placed Phoenix, which takes on Newcastle Jets this weekend, trails Branko Culina's side on goal difference but has played three games more.
It is hoping to unveil Griffiths against North Queensland Fury at Dairy Farmers Stadium on 27 December.