ENGLISH Championship side Millwall have denied Socceroos star Tim Cahill is set for an emotional return to the club where he began his career.

The 38-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Melbourne City last month and desperate for regular football with the Socceroos’ opening fixture of the World Cup against France exactly five months away.

Cahill made 242 appearances for the Lions and scored 57 goals in an eight-year spell before signing for Everton following the 2004 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

Millwall, who are currently in 16th position on the Championship table and managed by Cahill’s former teammate Neil Harris, have a long association with Australian players but boast one of the lowest playing budgets in the division.

media_camera Tim Cahill played seven seasons at Millwall.

Socceroos left-back James Meredith and former Newcastle Jets striker Kristian Brymora are currently on their books while Lucas Neill, Kevin Muscat and Dave Mitchell have all played for the southeast London side.

However, the Lions have denied that a deal has been offered to the Socceroos’ record goalscorer, who has not kicked a ball since coming on as a late substitute in City’s 2-1 A-League win over Newcastle on December 2.

“There’s absolutely nothing in the rumours at all,” a club official said.