Just a fortnight ago, the 2006 A-League Champions were said to be closing in on the veteran striker as their superstar marquee signing for the coming season three.

The former England international only turned 32 this month but has been plagued by injuries and is not expected to be offered a new contract when his one-year Anfield deal expires this year.

Perry had earlier confirmed Fowler was the biggest name on the club's shopping list and added: “He's been discussed at boardroom level and it shows just how determined we are to set the benchmarks in Australian football that we are serious about targeting a player of his calibre.

“He's out of the top drawer and although an official approach has not yet been made, it goes without saying that if he did come to Australia it would be a huge signing for us.”

But now Perry has told fans he no longer figures in their plans.

He admitted: “We're looking at quite a few options from all parts of the world - the beauty of the world game.

“We just need to make sure we get the right person for the right amount of money. Fowler is no longer on the agenda, though.”

Cocu is still believed to be high on Sydney’s most wanted list, but midfielder Jay Jay Okocha this week emerged as another possible front-runner for the marquee slot.

The 34-year old Nigerian is currently playing in Qatar after a successful spell with Bolton in the English Premiership where he became a cult hero with fans.

Before that, he also played with Paris St Germain, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fenerbahce and a regular in the Nigerian national team, featuring in three World Cups. He also won gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Okocha is one of FIFA’s top 125 players in the world, hand-picked by Pele, and has scored 87 goals in his career, including 15 for Nigeria in 74 appearances.