New Zealand international striker Shane Smeltz is leaving Gold Coast United to join Chinese outfit Shandong Luneng. Gold Coast announced on Sunday they had agreed to sell Smeltz to Shandong for an undisclosed fee.

Smeltz was the A League's leading striker last season, with 19 goals.

The 28-year-old also had an impressive World Cup for the All Whites, including a goal in New Zealand's 1-1 draw with Italy.

Smeltz will fly to China on Monday to complete his medical before joining Shandong, who sit third in the Chinese Super League after 10 matches.

"I am looking forward to the new challenge at this stage in my career," he said.