Sydney FC lead way in Kewell chase

Fighting fit ... But where will Harry Kewell play in 2011-2012? Source: Fiona Hamilton / News Limited

Sydney FC are firming as favourite to sign Harry Kewell, but any move will be dependent on Football Federation Australia helping top up the expected salary of $2.5 million a season for the Socceroos star.

Sydney is the preferred option for the clubless Kewell, who was last week linked to a $5m deal with Melbourne Victory.

Kewell is also being chased by the cashed-up Newcastle Jets, but it is understood owner Nathan Tinkler, who was prepared for a win-at-all-costs battle at one stage, has had second thoughts and has issued a "take it or leave it" offer of about $2m a season.

Jets management have been told to "work within a budget" and that means the Novacastrians are not in a position to offer any more than $2m.

With the possibility of Kewell playing in the A-League growing by the minute, it appears that this has turned in to a Sydney vs Melbourne war.

Kewell is without a club after finishing his contract with Turkish outfit Galatasaray.

He was left disappointed after failing to play in the last few games of the season even though he was fit.

He has been linked with a move to recently promoted Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League, while there are suggestions he could consider a move to the MLS in the US.

It is understood there are no US clubs willing to give him marquee status, which means the most he could earn a season is about $US700,000 ($660,000) - well short of what Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC are prepared to give him.

"Unless you are a Thierry Henry or someone of that ilk you are not going to get over-the-top money from the Americans," one source said.

"To be brutally honest, he is not as well known in the States.

"Harry doesn't have too many options from overseas clubs, so I think the A-League is a real chance to snare him."

Mark Bosnich told foxsports.com.au in April that an A-League stint for Kewell could be around the corner. Where do you want to see Kewell play next season? 

After a disappointing season on and off the field, Sydney is desperate to sign a marquee player who will not only perform on the field but will get bums on seats. Kewell fits the bill perfectly, although doubts remain about his capacity to get through a 27-game season.

The Sky Blues, who won the title in 2009-10 but failed to make the finals last season, is prepared to meet most of the Kewell camp's financial demands, including paying him a guaranteed percentage of the gate takings, but it is banking on help from an outside source to get the deal over the line.

Whether FFA, which has had its own financial concerns over the past 18 months and lost $6m last financial year, is prepared to come to the party remains to be seen.

 

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