Keisuke Honda says Melbourne Victory deal not done yet

Japan superstar Keisuke Honda has confirmed he is in talks with Melbourne Victory but no deal has been signed as yet.

Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda in action against Belgium during the World Cup in Russia last month. Picture: AFP

Keisuke Honda has confirmed he is in talks with Melbourne Victory but a deal to bring the Japanese superstar to the A-League isn’t done yet.

Multiple reports have suggested former AC Milan star Honda has agreed to terms with Victory, the reigning A-League champions, and that an official announcement is imminent.

But speaking to Japanese media on Thursday night, the 32-year-old was elusive when asked about his club future and said nothing has been signed.

“I can only say so much, we’re in negotiations,” Honda, who is currently holidaying in the Bahamas, told AbemaTV.

“I want to do things beyond being a player. I’ve been negotiating with a club that understands what I want to do.

“We’ve had very positive conversations. It’s a team that has been reported. Nothing’s been ­decided yet but if everything goes smoothly we should be able to ­announce in a few days.”

Honda has been a free agent since leaving Mexican outfit ­Pachuca earlier this year. He retired from international football after the World Cup in Russia but appears to have had a slight change of heart, saying he had a “new goal” to represent Japan at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Men’s football at the Olympics is restricted to under-23 players but each country can select three over-age players in their squad.

It means he will need to be playing football for at least two more seasons, giving rise to the possibility of a two-year contract with Victory — boosted by a contribution from Football Federation Australia’s marquee fund — if an agreement can be reached.

AAP