SOCCEROO Jade North will not be wearing Melbourne Victory colours this season, according to his agent.

The Consadole Sapporo defender was contemplating a return a fortnight ago for family reasons, just before the shock resignation of Danny Allsopp.

With a bit of wiggle room in the salary cap, Victory coach Ange Postecoglou inquired about the 30-year-old.

But it's understood the Socceroos coaching staff, led by coach Holger Osieck, convinced North it was best for his international career to remain in Japan's J-League.

North's agent Buddy Farah confirmed there was Victory interest but said North would remain in Japan.

"No, at this stage I can categorically deny that Jade will return to the A-League," Farah said.

"Yes there was contact (from Victory), but at this present moment he is better off staying in Japan before the Brazil World Cup.

"There is interest in Japan and unless something goes pear-shaped, he will be staying there."

Sapporo are destined for relegation, but North has attracted interest from J-League rivals.

North spent four years with Newcastle Jets and later spent a year with Wellington Pheonix, having played with the likes of Incheon United, Tromso and FC Tokyo.

Originally published as No homecoming for Socceroo North