THE chances of Ryan Griffiths returning to the Jets ended last night when the former A-League golden boot agreed to terms with rivals Adelaide United.
Griffiths trained with the Jets on Monday and loomed as a fallback option if the club cannot extend the stay of Nathan Burns, whose loan deal from Korean club Incheon United expires after Friday’s clash against Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium.
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But Adelaide came in a with a ‘‘good offer’’ yesterday and, pending a medical, the 32-year-old will join the Reds for the rest of the season. He could be involved as early as Saturday’s away game against leaders Brisbane.
‘‘I was talking with the Jets, but they were unsure about the situation with Burnsy,’’ Griffiths said.
‘‘I would have preferred to stay in Newcastle. I have always tried my hardest for the club and it felt like home, but I didn’t really want to be second choice.
‘‘Adelaide came in with a good offer out of left field. It wasn’t my intention to go to another A-League club and I hope the Jets fans forgive me. But Adelaide were really keen and made a big effort to get me on board. It was nice to be really wanted.’’
Adelaide have been struck down by injury and international duty, especially in the front third.
Bruce Djite (groin), Fabio Ferreira (groin) and Sergio Cirio (hamstring) are sidelined, and Marcelo Carrusca (knee) is in doubt.
Jake Barker-Daish is with the Australian under-22s in Oman.
Griffiths, whose wife and children will stay in Newcastle in the short term, has been without a home since leaving Chinese second-tier club Beijing Baxy, the outfit he gained a release from the Jets to join almost year ago.
‘‘I was looking at a few things over there, but when Adelaide came along I jumped at it. I had gone two months without a salary.
‘‘One minute I was talking to [former Jet] Tarek Elrich, the next thing you know Adelaide were on the phone.’’
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Burns is expected to return to Korea, where he has a year to run on his contract, next week.
The A-League transfer window opens today and closes on February 5, giving the Jets four weeks to negotiate an extension for Burns or find a replacement.