Cahill, who scored 16 goals across three seasons for New York Red Bulls, is remembered fondly in the United States and could attract the interest of one of the less high-profile MLS clubs, as he seeks an avenue to continue his career and keep afloat his bid to play at a fourth successive FIFA World Cup.

Australia’s all-time leading scorer proved his potency yet again with a double as the Socceroos thumped Jordan 5-1 last month to clinch a spot in the final phase of qualifying for Russia 2018.

Cahill at the double as Socceroos Kruse to win over Jordan

However, the conundrum for Cahill is to find a club where he can continue to flourish with the World Cup still more two years away.

Cahill, whose short-term deal with Hangzhou deal expires at the end of June, hinted in a Fairfax interview that he will make his next career decision on family grounds – most specifically the emerging acting and singing aspirations of his son Kyah, who has already shown glimpses of his showbiz potential.

"The decision I make will be definitely around trying to play as long as possible," Cahill said. "But the reality will be what suits the family, the kids and their schooling and also where they want to live.

"It has been an amazing journey in China and I love it here - the family loves it too - but [the contract] was done that way so I could get to the next window, and it'll be a good few months planning what's next."

Cahill has already splashed $4 million on constructing a family home in New York, while divesting himself of property in Sydney.

The prospect of Cahill remaining in China looks remote and TWG understands that - after one goal from the spot in five appearances for Hangzhou, who slumped to 10th on the table after their 3-0 weekend home loss to Beijing Guoan - the likelihood of a contract extension with Hangzhou is slim.

With Cahill due to turn 37 in December, his marketability - at least on the field - is on the wane as a super-charged career enters its final stages.

Savour Cahill now, because there won't be another like him

It's been mooted that an A-League stint could be next for Cahill but no clubs as yet willing to make an approach and his often frosty relationship with Football Federation Australia, that prospect is up in the air.

Cahill was released by Shanghai Shenhua before the start of the CSL season just four months into a one-year contract extension – despite scoring 11 goals in 28 games during his year-long stint in China's biggest city.