It was thought last month’s signing of veteran midfielder Paul Reid had scuppered any chances of the Socceroo lining up for the harboursiders.

But Culina’s management remain confident that a deal can be struck given his steady improvement in training following a long rehabilitation from knee surgery.

The 32-year-old’s signature would certainly hearten fans alarmed at the club’s faltering start to the season culminating in a 2-0 opening round loss to Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.

Despite a promising debut from star recruit Alessandro Del Piero, the Sky Blues looked well off the pace and struggled to assert any control in the midfield.

Culina’s agent Leo Karis told au.fourfourtwo.com there was “a lot of optimism” from the club regarding Culina although formal discussions had yet to take place.

“I’m planning to have those discussions next week - hopefully towards the early part of the week, given they’re not travelling, it should be a lot easier,” Karis said.

And he remained resolute Sydney would be the first port of call when it came to tying up the club future of the former PSV Eindhoven player.

“The first club I’ll be talking to is Sydney FC at this stage,” Karis said. “We have deliberately decided not to talk with other clubs formally.

“I’ve had approaches from a number of clubs, inquiring about Jason’s progress, and I’ll be in a position from next week to address Jason’s playing future.”

Culina, who has not played a competitive match since the Asian Cup in January last year, has been building up his fitness under Sydney FC physio Stan Ivancic.

The 58-times capped Socceroo was dumped by Newcastle Jets after it was revealed that a career threatening injury would rule him out of the 2011/12 A-League season.