A MOVE to Europe remains a priority for out-of-contract Brisbane Roar midfielder Mitch Nichols.

Nichols' Roar deal expires at the end of the month, but Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey, who yesterday parted ways with Stef Nijland, Matt Jurman and James Meyer, is desperate to re-sign the playmaker.

Nichols, 24 next month, is also wanted by at least three other A-League clubs, but his agent Buddy Farah last night told The Courier-Mail the Gold Coast product was intent on pursuing a career overseas.

An expected move last year to Danish outfit Randers FC failed to materialise and the disappointment contributed to Nichols' sluggish start to Brisbane's season.

But Nichols, who has made 125 A-League appearances for the Roar since 2007, was back in favour by the end of the season and played a leading role in the surge that took Brisbane to within one match of a third straight grand final.

Farah said the Roar would always be close to Nichols' heart, with the Sydney agent to fly to Brisbane next week for talks with Mulvey.

"But Europe is our No.1 priority," Farah said.

Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart are understood to be interested in the services of Nichols.

Mulvey also wants to keep loan signing Steve Lustica, but the former Gold Coast United midfielder has two years remaining on his contract with Croatian club Hajduk Split.

Despite having the option to retain loanee Nijland, who failed to fire in his 10 A-League appearances, Mulvey decided against offering the Dutchman a permanent deal.

Defender Jurman knew the writing was on the wall about his Roar future several months ago, while attacking weapon Meyer was hardly given an opportunity despite scoring in his only start this season.

"They did not fit into our plans as we move forward," Mulvey said.

Originally published as Roar want Nichols Europe's calling