Tim Cahill expects Premier League interest

New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill has revealed that he almost completed a loan switch back to England earlier this year, predicting similar interest in a short-term deal when the transfer window reopens.

Cahill spent eight seasons in the Premier League with Everton before moving to New York in 2012, deciding that the time was right to join Major League Soccer last year.

The 33-year-old has welcomed renewed speculation over a loan move back to Europe in January, if it helps him maintain form and fitness ahead of a World Cup campaign with Australia next summer.

He told The Sun: "In the last loan period, three or four clubs came in and one was really close to signing me.

"It was from the Premier League and it went all the way up to the wire. It was to stay fit. I'm definitely going to get a lot of shouts again now and there will always be people knocking at the door.

"But I have to assess where my body's going to be for the next World Cup for Australia and also my fitness leading in Brazil."

Cahill helped the Red Bulls win the Supporter's Shield this season, but could not guide them past the Eastern Conference semi-finals in the MLS Cup playoffs.