Usain Bolt's agent plays down talk of joining Central Coast Mariners on trial

The superstar athlete is reportedly close to heading Down Under, but his agent has cooled talk of the move

Usain Bolt has not committed to trialling with A-League club Central Coast Mariners, says the sprint king's agent Ricky Simms.

Australian media reported the eight-time Olympic gold medalist was set to head Down Under for a six-week trial with the Gosford-based club - in the hope of winning his first professional football contract.

But the 30-year-old Jamaican's agent says a move to Australia is far from confirmed and his client is still considering his options.

"We are looking at various possibilities for Usain in football - the A-League is one of them." Simms told Omnisport on Wednesday.

"When a decision is made about his future, we will make it public."

It is understood Football Federation Australia would have to chip in AU$900,000 (£510,000/$669,000) for Bolt to play in the A-League - if he trials at the Mariners and impresses enough to earn a professional contact.

Vision has emerged of Bolt on the football pitch struggling in exhibition matches, including a recent cameo for Norweigan side Stromsgodset against Norway's under-19 team.

Several Australian critics have dismissed the news of Bolt's potential signings as PR, including former Socceroo goalkeeper Clint Bolton, who says: "I don't think anyone genuinely thinks [Usain Bolt] is going to get signed."

Another former green and gold player, Ljubo Milicevic, believes the signing of Bolt is worth the gamble for the Mariners and the A-League.