FORMER Golden Boot winner Joel Griffiths is a target for both Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets, as the striker ponders a return to the A-League.

Griffiths, who was player of the year and scored 12 goals as Newcastle won the title in 2008, is reaching the end of a three-year contract with Beijing Guoan.

He is firmly on the radar of both the Jets, who it's believed have tabled a provisional offer, and Sydney, who remain in the hunt for a new striker.

The Daily Telegraph understands Griffiths is weighing up a return to the A-League, though probably for a short-term stint, as he is likely to be offered a lucrative new deal to continue playing in China.

It's possible Griffiths could be released early and effectively sign as a guest player here for a stint of up to 10 games, before returning to China for the next season there.

Yesterday Griffiths admitted he was "weighing up a few options", but said a firm decision is likely to be put on hold for a few weeks.

"There has been interest from the A-League, but to be honest it's more likely to be something short-term," he said. "It's too early to say definitively what I'll do - my wife and I have talked about the best thing for the family, but we haven't really reached any decisions.

"I'm still very happy here - the team's doing very well, we're still in the cup semi-final and done OK in the league so it's been a good year."

Griffiths was a key figure in the Jets' championship-winning side three years ago but left the club, initially on loan, in 2009. Last year a permanent deal with Beijing was concluded after an acrimonious stand-off, that ultimately went to arbitration.

But the Jets have changed owners since, and Griffiths remains a cult hero in Newcastle.

The striker also predicted "one of the tightest seasons ever" in the A-League, on the back of a wide range of signings by players.

"It's not just Emerton and Kewell, who are massive in stature, but all clubs seem to have bought well," he said.

Originally published as Joel may Jet back