by DAVE MARTINEZ

Their team crests aren’t the only thing the New York Cosmos and the Central Coast Mariners have in common.

According to a report out of Australia, the A-League Mariners have interest in signing Greek international Georgios Samaras as well.

Samaras, 30, has spent the better part of four months in New York City, training with the Cosmos as he recovers from a series of injuries. He has long been a Cosmos target with the team board giving the green light for his pursuit as early as December.

However, the Mariners have entered the chase for Samaras in a rather unique way. Mariners brass have given the green light on the pursuit of Samaras — on the condition that a third party foot the bill on what will be a commanding salary. That third party is the Football Federation Australia. Like Major League Soccer, the A-League has a close relationship with their Federation. However, it is unclear whether or not they would seriously pursue the star striker on behalf of one of the A-League sides.

The Cosmos are certainly in need of a star striker. The club said farewell to Spanish legend Raul, who retired after the club’s Soccer Bowl winning 2015 season. Leaving with Raul are eight goals on the season, which tied the striker for the club scoring mark.