Socceroos great Tim Cahill has reportedly re-signed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, ending speculation about his future and a possible return to Australia.

The 35-year-old striker originally joined the Chinese Super League outfit on a one-year deal but has taken up the option to extend it, according to Fox Sports News.

Cahill has been in rampant form the last few weeks and is Shenhua’s leading goalscorer with 11 goals this season.

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His latest goal and assist helped the side into the Chinese FA Cup final where they will fight for a first trophy in 17 years as well as a ticket to the Asian Champions League.

Cahill’s decision to stay puts to bed any links with a potential third Sydney A-League team.

Football South Coast chairman Eddy De Gabriele, who is in talks with the Sutherland Shire and St George associations to join forces and form a new ‘super club’, confirmed Cahill has had no involvement in the process.

Cahill, who has 86 Socceroos caps, remains a vital cog in Ange Postecoglou’s national squad and will be back in Canberra next month for the qualifier against Kyrgyzstan before another against Bangladesh.