HARRY Kewell could have been turning out in the red and white stripes of Melbourne Heart for the second Victorian team's A-League debut season had club officials been prepared to meet his extraordinary wage and other demands.

As news broke that Melbourne Victory was one of a number of A-League clubs linked with the possible signing of the ageing Socceroo superstar for next season - with his home-town team Sydney and Newcastle touted as other potential destinations - it emerged that Kewell had been made available last season to Heart and other clubs.

Harry Kewell... had been made available last season to Heart and other clubs. Credit:Reuters

Talks did take place but Heart chiefs baulked at a wage request of $2.5 million a year plus a string of ancillary demands, including a percentage of gate-takings.

It is believed Kewell's management also floated the novel idea that he could personally select a couple of players for the team's 23-man playing roster - something Heart's coach John van 't Schip was less than impressed with.