Socceroos defender Scott Chipperfield has revealed how he is extremely close to signing a deal to join new A-League outfit North Queensland Fury. The Fury have been after the FC Basel star for a while now and it looks like they will get their man.

The only thing holding the 33-year old back is the upcoming World Cup and the fact he may need to remain in Europe to be selected for the squad if the Socceroos make it.

"It's pretty close (the Nth Qld deal)," he said.

"It's time to come back to the A-League. I've had eight years in Europe now.

"It's not an easy decision, especially with the World Cup coming.

"But I think it's the right time for me to come back to the A-League.

"Maybe at the end of the season I'd go on loan somewhere to stay fit for the World Cup. But we'll worry about that when it happens and obviously we've got to qualify for the World Cup yet."