Usain Bolt may play football in Australia

Usain Bolt has played in a number of exhibition matches this year

Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt is in talks for a trial to play football in Australia, a club says.

The Jamaican former sprinter, 31, is negotiating a six-week stint with the Central Coast Mariners, a team in the country's A-League competition.

Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said the club had spent four months pursuing Bolt, and a season-long deal could follow.

Football agent Tony Rallis said a deal had been agreed "in principle".

Mr Rallis, who has been involved in the deal, told local Sky Sports Radio that negotiations continued over Bolt's pay.

"The owner of Central Coast Mariners has put his hand deep in his pocket and guaranteed 70% of the salary," Mr Rallis said.

News Corp Australia reported that a "multi-million dollar" deal had been proposed.

Bolt has previously trained with clubs in Germany, Norway and South Africa.

The 100m and 200m world record holder, who retired from athletics last year, has previously spoken about his interest in becoming a professional footballer.

Bolt is a fan of Manchester United and one of its former assistant managers, Mike Phelan, is now at the Mariners.

A Football Federal Australia spokesman told the BBC that it would not assist in funding Bolt's trial.

Mr Mielekamp said the club was optimistic that the trial could be extended.

"If all goes well, who knows? He may be lighting up the A-League this season," he told the local Seven Network on Tuesday.

Mr Mielekamp said the club had received positive reports about Bolt's performance when he trained with German club Borussia Dortmund and Norwegian side Stromsgodset.

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"The most important thing is we wait to find out and see how good a footballer he is first," Mr Mielekamp said.

"Time will tell at what level he is at and if it fits the A-League."