NEWCASTLE Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske says the club are considering another early release request from Steven Ugarkovic but have not reached any agreement with A-League rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
Mattiske responded to reports on Tuesday that Ugarkovic would leave the Jets immediately or as part of an upcoming transfer window.
The midfielder has already signed with the Wanderers for next season, set to join former Jets coach Carl Robinson, and previously wanted out from the final year of his contract at Newcastle.
Mattiske said the latest negotiations between the parties remain ongoing with the Jets having just slumped to a record-equalling sixth straight loss and Western Sydney inside the top six.
"It's no secret that Steve is going to Wanderers next year. And it's no secret that there's been a request to leave early in the past," Mattiske told the Newcastle Herald.
"There's been a more recent request and we will consider it and make a decision that is best for the club both now and in the future."
A potential player swap has been touted, but not confirmed.
Either way, regardless of whether a deal is cut before the last round, Ugarkovic's days with the Jets are numbered.
Ugarkovic missed Newcastle's 1-0 defeat to Western United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday but Mattiske said speculation around anything other than a back injury was people simply "joining the dots".
The same complaint means Ugarkovic isn't a certain starter against Melbourne Victory at home this Saturday.
Prior to that he played 110 consecutive games for the Jets. The 26-year-old debuted for Newcastle five seasons ago and has made 132 appearances, featuring the 2017-18 grand final.
