FFA makes Sam Kerr offer amid Europe bids
Football Federation Australia has tabled a new deal to try to keep Matildas captain Sam Kerr in the W-League, amid interest from European clubs.
Kerr is playing in the United States' National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), scoring a late goal on Thursday in Chicago Red Stars' 2-1 loss to her former club Sky Blue FC in New Jersey.
The NWSL season wraps up in October, with Kerr's second-placed Red Stars seemingly destined for playoff action.
The American league's time frame, however, coincides neatly with the W-League but a move to Europe would clash with the Australian season.
And the battle to retain the W-League's most-recognisable asset is well and truly alive with reports several European clubs including English team Chelsea have tabled bids for the 25-year-old.
Kerr has never played in Europe, where the women's game is growing almost exponentially.
Despite the interest, FFA believes it can fight off the European interest to keep Kerr in Australia this summer.
"We have made an offer to Sam Kerr, through her management, for the upcoming Westfield W-League season and discussions are ongoing," a FFA spokesman told AAP.
Kerr has played 11 seasons of W-League for Sydney FC and Perth.
Last season, she earned more than $300,000 as the league's first marquee player.
Kerr took up the offer despite interest from Europe as she was keen to stay in Australia in the build-up to this year's Women's World Cup in France.
The decision proved a success with Kerr scoring 17 goals as the Glory made it to the grand final before losing 4-2 to former club Sydney in the decider.
