BRISBANE Roar’s reluctance to yield to lucrative offers for Jamie Maclaren in January’s transfer window will cost them if the Socceroos striker decides this is his last A-League season.

The Roar are set to offer Maclaren, whose deal expires at the end of the season, a contract extension, possibly as early as Tuesday.

Brisbane coach John Aloisi does not want to sell Maclaren and hopes the 23-year-old attacker remains with the Roar until after the 2017-18 A-League season.

Aloisi believes that would benefit the Roar and enhance Maclaren’s chances of playing in the 2018 World Cup should the Socceroos qualify.

However, if Maclaren leaves at the end of the season, it will be on a free transfer.

Jamie Maclaren could leave Brisbane Roar. Picture: Steve Pohlner Source: News Corp Australia

“The biggest thing for Jamie is his progression as a player,” Maclaren’s agent Paddy Dominguez said.

“(That) is what will get him to Russia, not just saying he’s playing in the A-League.

“If he’s not still improving ... then I think it’s wise for him to start considering where he can go to improve again. You can only stay in Australia to a certain point.”

The Roar rejected offers for Maclaren from Chinese and European clubs in June-July.

Dominguez stressed he would not encourage Maclaren to leave the A-League if it jeopardised his hopes of regular first-team football.

“I’ve always put players where they’re going to play football. I’m not interested in them being substitutes,” he said.