Socceroos star Tim Cahill could leave Melbourne City as he seeks more game time ahead of World Cup

TIM Cahill’s deal with Melbourne City included a move into coaching when he retired, but that is in jeopardy with Cahill moving closer to an exit from the club.

Tim Cahill is looking increasingly likely to leave Melbourne City.

TIM Cahill is edging closer towards a previously unthinkable Melbourne City exit.

City coach Warren Joyce and Cahill have not spoken in a fortnight but were due to hold talks late on Saturday when the coach returned to the club’s Bundoora training base after Friday night’s 3-1 loss at Brisbane Roar.

If the festering situation is not resolved, Cahill could hand in a transfer request ahead of the January window.

It looms as a huge week for Australian soccer, with Ange Postecoglou set to decide whether he will coach the Socceroos at Russia 2018.

CITY: Man who’ll make or break Cahill’s Russia dream

A City exit would be a gut-wrenching call for Cahill who was excited by the long-term plan tabled by Manchester-based soccer chief Brian Marwood — a playing deal that morphs into a coaching role when the 37-year-old retires.

But Cahill’s determination to play for the Socceroos and make an impact at a fourth straight FIFA World Cup is such that it is believed he would leave City in search of greater match minutes.

Cahill has refused to comment since dropping his bombshell about wanting more City minutes on Wednesday night.

While Cahill’s lack of game-time is at the heart of his discontent, the Herald Sun understands he feels disillusioned with Joyce’s lack of contact after striker rolled his ankle in the loss to Sydney FC on November 3.

Joyce revealed on Friday night that he had not spoken to Cahill, adding fuel to reports that their relationship was at breaking point.

Tim Cahill is looking increasingly likely to leave Melbourne City.

“I don’t honestly know how long Tim will be (out). I have not spoken to him since he’s come back (from Socceroos camp) so,’’ Joyce said.

“Again, I’m not really here to talk about Tim really. There’s been enough conversations this week. I’ve answered every question that’s thrown at me.”

It leaves Joyce with a huge test of his man-management ahead of Friday night’s home clash with Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

Cahill headlines a batch of A-League stars who are unsettled by their lack of minutes at City, including best-and-fairest winner Neil Kilkenny and Polish marquee player Marcin Budzinski who started in an unfamiliar striking role against Roar.

In contrast to his close relationship with Australian coach Ange Postecoglou, Cahill and Joyce are distant.

Tim Cahill wants more game time for his club ahead of next’s year’s World Cup in Russia.

The Everton and Socceroos legend has played his best soccer under coaches he’s enjoyed close ties with — led by David Moyes (Everton).

Joyce denied that the drama around Cahill’s future had affected preparations ahead of the Roar loss, which was an uncharacteristically error-riddled performance by City.

“Certainly not for myself or the players here. Some of the stuff that I don’t even read or see, and the players are a bit the same,’’ Joyce said.

“There might be stories you’re mentioning that I’m not even aware of. So it can’t affect you if you don’t know anything about it.”