THE protracted and painstaking bid to recruit Harry Kewell has inched closer after the Socceroo star signed a conditional contract with Melbourne Victory last Monday.

But Victory fans would be advised to keep the champagne on ice, as the deal is conditional on a separate agreement with Football Federation Australia that is at an impasse.

Kewell's manager, Bernard Mandic, has insisted FFA modify a clause to give Kewell commercial control of his image and naming rights, according to soccer sources.

Professional Footballers Australia chief executive Brendan Schwab is involved in the negotiations and is believed to have urged FFA to make an exception for Kewell. It is believed FFA made a similar exception for former Premier League stars Dwight Yorke and Robbie Fowler, who joined the A-League, but FFA has refused to accede to Mandic's request.

If an agreement cannot be reached with FFA by August 31, then Kewell's contract with Melbourne Victory expires and he would be free to pursue other offers.

Kewell is reported to be a target for three clubs from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are reported to have offered the former Leeds United and Liverpool winger up to $4 million a season.

Kewell's contract with Melbourne Victory is entirely incentive-based, so his remuneration would rely on an increase in memberships, attendances and merchandise sales.