McBreen, 37, has been linked to the Newcastle Jets and former club Central Coast Mariners since arriving back in Australia this month after helping Shanghai East Asia to fifth place.

"I'm hearing everywhere that I am either signing with the Jets or the Mariners," McBreen told the Herald on Monday.

"The last time I spoke to someone from the Jets was Clacka [Clayton Zane] at a barbecue before I went to China. It was two mates having a beer at a barbecue.

"It is not in concrete but it is most likely I will end up in China for another year.

"I have agents looking at things now and expect to finalise something by Christmas.

"If it is a choice between playing in the A-League and going to Asia for a year - I have a young family now and they are my priority - it's a no brainer.

"The money I can earn in China can go towards a house and I can spend more time with the family when I get back."

McBreen, who was born in England but grew up in Edgeworth, played two seasons for Newcastle United in the old national league. His late father, Jim, also played for Newcastle.

The Jets have a full roster but there is growing uncertainty over the future of midfielder Jonny Steele.

The former Northern Ireland international was granted leave to deal with personal matters three weeks ago and has since returned to the United States, where he played for the New York Red Bulls before joining the Jets.

The Herald understands that the Jets have an agreement with Steele and his agent that his situation will be finalised well in advance of the A-League transfer window which opens on January 6.

McBreen, the A-League's premier striker in 2012-13 with 17 goals, has spent the past season-and-a-half in Shanghai.

The evergreen goal-poacher scored six goals in 28 appearances in the just-completed campaign.

"I played more of a midfield role this season and did quite well," McBreen said.

"In China I feel like I could play until I'm 40, no problems.

"It is not as physically demanding as the A-League.

"In the A-League they let a lot more tackles go. Over there, someone gets touched and they go down.

"It also gets really hot during the season and that slows the pace of the game."

McBreen has enjoyed his time in Shanghai East Asia but the club has recently changed ownership and is believed to be looking to fill their overseas quota with high-profile players like Didier Drogba.

"There are some big names being thrown about," McBreen said.

"Shanghai is quite westernised but I have no issues with moving cities.

"I'm not going there for the lifestyle.

"From what I have been told, I have a pretty good reputation over there.

"Agents are working on it now .

"Things tend to happen a bit late over there.

"Foreigners usually go back for pre-season towards the end of January."

In the meantime, McBreen plans to put his feet up.

He and long-term partner Gabrielle Stockton are getting married in Sydney next month before travelling to Wellington with boys Noah, 4, and Leo, 2.

"We have got a big month ahead," McBreen said.

"In among that we are also looking for a house to rent in Newcastle. That's where the family will be based while I'm in China."