FOOTBALL Federation CEO David Gallop insists he would “love” to have Tim Cahill in the A-League, despite the ugly spat between the two over the extent of the Socceroo’s desire to return to play in Australia.

Insisting he wanted to “move beyond” the war of words, Gallop said the short-term nature of Cahill’s new contract opened “a window of opportunity” for A-League clubs to lure the country’s leading scorer back for next season.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou reinforced that view, expressing his relief at Cahill’s future being addressed and labelling him “an exciting addition for the A-League” beyond that.

Socceroos star Tim Cahill with FFA boss David Gallop. Source: News Corp Australia

Cahill signed a five-month deal with Hangzhou Greentown on Monday, days after his dramatic release from Shanghai Shenhua sparked intense speculation over his future.

After Cahill called on A-League clubs to “show their vision”, he and Gallop clashed over FFA’s desire to help repatriate the striker – though in any case the closure of the A-League transfer window had already ruled that out, at least until next season.

But asked if he was disappointed that the issue had become a public dispute, Gallop said the goal of ­luring Cahill back to the A-League remained.

“It’s important we move beyond that now,” he said.

“We’d love to see Tim in the A-League, clearly for a range of reasons that wasn’t possible this time including the transfer window.

“But we’re keen to talk to him. It would obviously require an A-League club to be leading those discussions but there’s always interest in a player of Tim’s status.

Socceroo Tim Cahill has joined another Chinese club after being released from Shanghai Shenhua. Source: Supplied

That’s potentially a window of ­opportunity for Australian clubs.”

Postecoglou called on the A-League clubs to consider what they could do to attract Cahill, given his enduring box-office appeal with ­supporters.

The Socceroos boss will name his squad for March’s two World Cup qualifiers shortly, with Cahill certain to play a leading role.

“He put in a big pre-season so I know he’s in good condition, with the Chinese League and most Asian ­Leagues just about to start, and we’ve really got to nail down this squad in the next couple of weeks,” ­Postecoglou said.

“If he didn’t get a club (after Shanghai Shenhua) that would have been a concern coming into camp, but the fact that he’s got a club is fantastic.

“The length of the contract, I guess it’s probably a good place for him to have a think about what he wants to do in terms of his next step and look at some options whilst still playing football.

“If I was a coach in the A-League I’d sign him, because I know what he can bring. He’s still a top-quality ­player, and he does a hell of a lot off the field.

“Whenever we play here in Australia he’s the most popular player and he’s always the last one back in after signing autographs.

“He’d be an exciting addition to the A-League, but there’s got to be a club out there willing to speak to him and give him an idea of what it’s going to look like if he comes out.”