"Ono" for A-League rivals as Shinji set to stay
Western Sydney Wanderers appear to have won the race for Shinji Ono's services and are set to tie him down for another second season in the A-League.
By FOX Sports staff
Ex-Japan international Ono, has delivered some sparkling displays in his first season at the Parramatta Stadium, has had his future bandied around in recent weeks, with a number of Chinese clubs and rival Australian sides reportedly interested in him.
Chinese League One side Shenzhen Ruby, who are currently coached by Ono's former Samurai Blue boss Philippe Troussier, are said to be willing to offer the attacking midfielder three times what he is currently earning, while Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart are also rumoured to be weighing up an offer.
Nonetheless, according to FourFourTwo, Ono, who has rapidly endeared himself to the Wanderers faithful, is set to put pen to paper on a new deal as it is believed both parties all but agreed on a new deal on Tuesday, which includes a significant raise from the A$500,000 he's reportedly earning.
It has also been reported that Western Sydney will announce the news next Monday.
The 33-year-old burst onto the scene at J.League side Urawa Red Diamonds and earned a move to Europe when he was signed by Dutch giants Feyenoord, before having a spell in Germany with Bochum after a brief return to Japan.
He then spent two years at Shimizu S-Pulse and although many believed his decision to move to Australia was purely a financial one, he has proved capable of doing a role of the fledgling club, who are currently playing their maiden season in the A-League.