DANIEL McBreen’s York City future is shrouded in doubt after the striker reportedly signed for Australian A-League side North Queensland Fury.

The “move” came as a surprise to the Minstermen’s board – with club chiefs issuing a statement saying they were “not aware” he had signed a pre-contract agreement with any other club.

Australian media reported that North Queensland Fury boss Ian Ferguson had recruited McBreen, who has hit the net six times for City this season, for the new franchise’s debut season.

Ferguson, who was a key part of the Rangers side which won nine successive Scottish league titles, sees the 31-year-old striker as another “attacking threat” after the club swooped to sign former Liverpool and Leeds striker Robbie Fowler.

The A-League season usually gets under way in August and, if McBreen has signed, he could well spend the rest of this season at City before linking up with his new Australian team-mates.

Ferguson was quoted as saying: “He played a few seasons at Falkirk and St Johnstone and really made a name for himself as a player who could score goals.

“He gives us yet another attacking option – he’s over six foot, so that provides a big, physical target for us up front on the set plays.

“Daniel brings the height I was missing and he’s an aggressive player who’s been playing in some tough competitions and that’s what I want in the team – a player who will give centre-halves a hard time.

“One of the great things about Daniel is he’s an Australian boy who’s played in the UK for a few seasons and he can bring that experience back to the A-League.”

McBreen kicked off his professional career with the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide City before moving abroad. Former York manager Colin Walker brought McBreen to City in the summer following a brief, but successful, loan spell at KitKat Crescent last year.

City were unaware of developments but Sophie Hicks, the club’s communications and community director, said: “Daniel McBreen is contracted to York City until June 30, 2009. We are not aware he has signed any pre-contract agreement with any other football club.

“He has not discussed his position with the first team manager, the chairman or any director.”