To see Sydney return to training today...


The reigning A-League champions are in the advanced negotiations with the former A-League player of the year, who they see as the ideal replacement for retired playmaker Steve Corica.

Sydney FC assistant coach Tony Popovic is a former Palace player still held in very high regard at Selhurst Park after a career spanning five years  from 2001.

This spell included becoming club captain and it's this strong link with the famous London club that could be the deciding factor in getting the high-profile Carle deal over the line.

"He's working very hard because his relationship with Crystal Palace board is very close. He's a very important part of this transfer," Lavicka told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

"Negotiations are still going but maybe we'd like to finish maybe this week but it's unpredictable, hard to say.

"I think he [Carle] is the right stone for our philosophy and strategy but it's hard to say now.  We're working, every person at Sydney FC from the board and player's agent are working very hard for this transfer and I hope we make a deal.

"We need to fight to bring the right number 10, the new Stevie Corica, and we spoke about it before among the coaching staff and we make a decision that Nicky Carle is right for us."

Carle, 28, has been out of favour at the Championship club for most of this season but Sydney's Czech supremo sees him fitting in behind Alex Brosque and his former Jets teammate Mark Bridge. 

And being Australian frees up the champions to bring in another visa player, potentially even Karol Kisel  who left the club in the off-season and is currently back in the Czech Republic.

However, there are other options which Sydney FC can pursue should the Carle deal break down. "Team building is a never ending process and we have to be ready for the plan B or C," said Lavicka. 

The pint-sized playmaker, who is in the frame for a Socceroo World Cup berth, also fits with the sky blues' wish to give their fans the best possible entertainment.

And that's another powerful reason why they are pulling out all stops to bring in the former Jet.

"Because we are playing football for the fans, that's entertainment for them. It's our responsibility to bring the right players for this," added Lavicka. 

"Sydney FC fans are a very important part of our club. Sydney FC , the team, players, board, staff and fans, I see them as one big family." 

To see Sydney return to training today...