Brisbane Roar's decision to delay contract talks with Mitch Nichols until the end of the season may cost the club the services of the out-of-favour midfielder.
No longer a member of Brisbane's starting XI after coach Mike Mulvey's decision to recruit Dutchman Stef Nijland, 23-year-old Nichols is at the crossroads of an inconsistent career.
He has gone from the high of a Socceroos cap in 2009 to the low of being omitted from the Roar's match-day squad earlier this season.
Mulvey told News Limited he and Nichols had agreed to sit down at season's end to decide if the Gold Coast product would remain with Brisbane.
Mulvey had previously indicated the Roar were ready to offer Nichols a new two-year deal.
Watching the situation are a host of A-League clubs and coaches, including Melbourne Victory's Ange Postecoglou.
Nichols became one of the A-League's most feared attacking midfielders during Postecoglou's memorable reign at the Roar.
Since Postecoglou's departure, Nichols has struggled under short-lived Roar coach Rado Vidosic and Mulvey, who replaced Vidosic in December.
"I haven't spoken to Mitch, but what I do know is he's a quality player," said Postecoglou, whose Victory side takes on the Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
"He's a proven goal-scoring midfielder and there aren't many like that in the league, so I'd be surprised if there aren't a number of clubs who go after Mitch if he decides to leave."
Postecoglou did not close the door on the Victory making Nichols an offer.
"We only have one or two spots left but we won't be looking at anything until the end of April," he said.
"From Mitch's point of view, he needs to be playing. He needs to do what he needs to do to get on the pitch.
"It's about setting up an environment where hopefully players realise their potential."
Mulvey was adamant he had no fears about losing Nichols, who has scored 23 goals in 119 A-League appearances.
"I'd be disappointed if players weren't disappointed at being left out," Mulvey said.
"We made a pact when I first came in that at the end of the season we would decide what was going to happen with him. Nothing has changed.
"I'm not concerned in any way , shape or form in regards to Mitch because we have a good understanding."
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