Carney is set to boost his wages by around ten times his current salary at Sydney, earning a reported $1.25million a year for three years with the Championship team.

Now the A-League outfit will also be in line for a large transfer fee after the English club tabled a formal offer for the player, but neither side is revealing the figure until the deal is done.

As he prepared to leave the country, Carney said his big break was the Asian Cup where he shone for the Socceroos.

"I think that's what sealed the deal and made the interest from England come," he said.

"Obviously playing at Sydney FC, it's a great level, but knowing you're playing with the likes of Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka... that's when the managers see that they want you.

"This is a childhood dream come true."

He added: "It's sad to leave Branko."

"He's a great coach but I am lucky to be going to another great coach and a football legend in Bryan Robson.

"I also want to thank the Sydney fans for their support. I will never forget them."

Carney's departure will free up salary cap wages for the club to make another major transfer before the season starts, as well as marquee signing Juninho.

Chief executive officer George Perry yesterday confirmed Carney was now free to head for Yorkshire.

"We always said we wouldn't stand in David's way of going overseas if we received a genuine offer that was in everyone's best interests," said Perry.

The decision will doubtless come as a relief to Carney who had vented his frustrations through the media.

He had accused Sydney of not putting themselves in ‘his shoes’ while being at pains to stress that he had no problem with the club, coach Branko Culina, his teammates or the supporters.

However, Culina is quoted in the Sheffield Star as suggesting that his player would be better served by looking to sparkle in the top flight of English football.

The Sydney FC coach told the English newspaper: “If David were to get a Premier League club, all well and good.

"But I don't think his style would suit Championship football."

Speaking ahead of Sydney’s blessing, Carney said: “I want the opportunity to go and at least see what they have got to offer.

"All I'm asking is a fair deal.”

Earlier this week Sheffield United’s plc chairman Kevin McCabe said he thought Carney would be delighted to be part of the Blades.

"While we've not signed him yet, he'd love Sheffield United," he said. "We are a great club."

Reports suggest Premier League club Wigan Athletic is also interested in Carney, ironically the side which scrambled to safety at the Yorkshire club’s expense last season.

Boss Chris Hutchings has not ruled out making further additions to his squad and with his strong connections with football in the north of England, may well remember Carney from his spells with Everton, Oldham and Halifax respectively.