Transfer news: Socceroo James Jeggo signs with Greek side Aris FC, Lyndon Dykes joins QPR

Socceroo James Jeggo has spurned offers from England and Portugal to seal a European switch he hopes will cement his place in the national side.

Socceroos players Massimo Luongo (right) and James Jeggo arrive with team at Sydney Airport ahead of the second-leg of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Play-off against Honduras in Sydney, Sunday, November 12, 2017. A win on Wednesday will propel the Caltex Socceroos to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. (AAP Image/ Craig Golding) NO ARCHIVING

Highly rated Australian James Jeggo has knocked back interest from England and Portugal to seal a multi-year deal with Greek club Aris FC in a move expected to cement the fringe Socceroo’s place in the national team.

The former Adelaide United star on Monday made the switch from Austria Wien FC, where he’d plied his trade since 2018, with designs on playing Europa League football and locking down his spot in the Socceroos ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

The defensive midfielder was first called into the national squad in 2016 before making his debut two years later, but more recently has featured in Australia’s World Cup qualification campaign under coach Graham Arnold – playing against Kuwait, Chinese Taipei and Jordan last year.

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Socceroo James Jeggo has joined Greek side Aris FC. Picture: Annette Dew

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The 28-year-old is understood to have been keen to showcase his ability in a stronger league.

“It ticks a lot of boxes,” Jeggo’s agent, Buddy Farah, told News Corp.

“I know that the player has had a chat with his national team coach in Graham Arnold, and he’s also given blessing to the move being a stronger league than the Austrian league.”

Aris are three-time winners of the Greek Super League, and recently rejoined the top division after five years in the wilderness having been relegated in 2014.

They finished sixth this season.

“They’re a team that will definitely be fighting for Europa League group stage competition this year,” Farah said. “A lot of individual players of high quality, a German coach who instils very strong principles.

James Jeggo spent three seasons at Adelaide United. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“Obviously Jimmy spent five years in the Austrian league so it was the perfect time for him to make a move.

“There were a number of other opportunities in Portugal and England that we were considering, but when Aris came to the table and sold us the project it was really a no-brainer at this time of his career.”

Meanwhile, Australian striker Lyndon Dykes has sealed a $3.6 million move to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

The Gold Coast-born Dykes is expected to earn a call-up to the Scotland squad.

Originally published as Transfer news: Socceroo James Jeggo signs with Greek side Aris FC, Lyndon Dykes joins QPR