Scott Brown linked with shock move away from Celtic

Scott Brown's contract with Celtic expires at the end of the season

Though Brown recently indicated that talks about a possible extension to his current deal with the Scottish champions have gone well, it's now being reported that the 33-year-old is being lined up for a surprise move to the other side of the world. Western Melbourne are hoping to be one of  two new clubs added to the Australian A-League as part of its expansion to a 12-team competition. Should they be successful with their application, the Daily Mail report that they are keen to add Brown to their ranks as a marquee signing. Eight clubs have currently applied for the two spaces available in the A-League with a decision set to be announced on October 31. Western Melbourne, who would start playing in 2019 if granted a place, are said to be targeting high-profile players coming out of their contracts and are hopeful that offering Brown and his family a change in lifestyle in Australia will help persuade him to bring to an end his eleven-year career at Celtic. Despite this, Celtic are said to be aware of the interest in their captain and remain optimistic he will decide to prolong his stay at Parkhead to help the club win ten successive league titles. The A-League has featured more prominently in the news in recent weeks due to the involvement of Olympic legend Usain Bolt. The Jamaican had always vowed to embark on a football career after he retired from sprinting and scored his first goals for Central Coast Marriners  last week.