Derby County boss Nigel Clough has confirmed Mile Sterjovski is set to return to Australia after failing to make the grade in England. Clough said: "There is genuine interest in him from clubs in Australia.

"I think the biggest thing for Mile is that he has to play next season because of the World Cup next summer but we can't guarantee him first-team football here."

Clough said Ruben Zadkovich, another Australian international, is in the same boat.

The midfielder has made just two starts for the Rams since being signed by Paul Jewell.

Sterjovski's agent, Tony Rallis, insists his player is still planning to play out the final year of his contract with Derby.

He said: "There are no discussions, there are no deals, there are no offers, because he is a contracted player. "

But A-League club Gold Coast claim they are in the driving seat to sign Sterjovski.

"We're getting close," said manager Miron Bleiberg.

"It's a complicated issue but I'm interested in signing him and he's interested to come here."