~~~~~~~THE FOXSPORTS ARTICLE~~~~~~
Sydney FC coup nets Aloisi
By David Davutovic and Tom Smithies
March 01, 2008
SYDNEY FC are on the verge of pulling off the coup of the off-season by luring star striker John Aloisi from rivals Central Coast.
An agreement has been reached in principle between Aloisi's management and Sydney, although a contract has not yet been signed off.
The Daily Telegraph understands that if Aloisi puts pen to paper in the next 48 hours, he could also be unveiled by Sydney alongside Newcastle Jets striker Mark Bridge on Monday.
Aloisi's manager Paddy Dominguez confirmed discussions were advanced, though nothing was finalised.
"We're at a very advanced stage in negotiations and we hope to reach an agreement imminently," Dominguez said. "And as soon as we sign and exchange a contract with any party, we'll make an announcement."
Aloisi, 32, would become Sydney's marquee player, replacing Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho, in a package believed to be around the $1 million-a-season mark.
The Australia striker has two more lucrative offers from overseas - from the UK and Japan - but with his family settled back home, his preference is to remain in Australia.
Aloisi was eager to remain with the Mariners, particularly after they qualified for the Asian Champions League.
However, they could only offer Aloisi a third of Sydney's package, and it was less than what they paid him this campaign - which was effectively two-thirds of the season.
Aloisi, whose Mariners contract expired on Friday, has been free to sign with another club since January 1.
He netted seven goals in 15 games for the Mariners, who won the minor premiership before losing in the A-League grand final to the Newcastle Jets.
It will be a case of second time lucky for Sydney FC, who were after Aloisi when the Mariners nabbed him last October.
Melbourne Victory have also been chasing the striker, who is the only Australian to have played in Europe's three major leagues -- England's Premier League, Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga.
Aloisi, who has scored 27 goals at international level, is the Socceroos' second greatest goalscorer of all time.
He has declared that he would like to play on until the 2010 World Cup.
Sydney's aggressive recruiting campaign has already netted them Perth midfielder Simon Colosimo.
Aloisi's departure would follow that of veteran attacker Tom Pondeljak from the Mariners, who this week signed with Melbourne Victory.
Newcastle Jets have made a last-ditch bid for Bridge, having lost defender Andrew Durante for Wellington.
But it is to no avail.
It still falls well short of Sydney FC's lucrative package for the Olyroos striker.
The Jets' exodus could continue with midfielder Adam d'Apuzzo weighing up offers from Adelaide United, Sydney FC and Gold Coast.
**Does anyone know the offers he was made in the UK????**
