In the wake of Harry Kewell finally joining Melbourne Victory over the weekend, comments by Sydney CEO Dirk Melton sparked rumours the club was closing in on a returning Socceroo of their own.

Interest initially focused on former Sydney FC star David Carney - currently without a club after an anticipated move to Nottingham Forest fell through following his release by Blackpool - and EPL stalwart Emerton.

But this afternoon, reports circulated that the deal was done for Emerton to join the sky blues next season.

Emerton's UK club Blackburn Rovers have been desperate to cut their operating costs since they were taken over by new owners, and have offered several players for sale or out on loan.

Fellow Socceroo team-mate Vince Grella was one of those offered around - but at the hefty cost of his loan club covering the full cost of his $50,000 a week salary and $9,000 a game appearance fee, according to leaked details.

Emerton was not on the Blackburn hit list, but with less than a year left on his contract and the club desperate to slash their wage bill, they may be prepared to release him for free to move to Sydney.

But he is still a highly-prized part of the Rovers first XI and his departure would leave a huge hole in the Blackburn side's line-up as they battle against potential relegation prospects.

However Emerton admitted earlier this month that he'd like to return to finish his career in the A-League before he was past his peak and while he was still able to make a contribution.

"I do still feel like I have a lot to offer and who knows how long the body will hold up for," he said.

"At the moment I am feeling good but I have always said that I would like to play in the A-League and I don't want to go back and play when I am old and can't run.

"I would like to go back when I am in decent shape and play a major role."

Emerton is set to be the outright second-most capped Socceroo of all time with 88 caps if he shakes off a slight hamstring injury in time to face Thailand in Australia's World Cup qualifer in Brisbane next month.

Today Sydney insisted no deal had yet been done.

Over the weekend, CEO Melton revealed: “Sydney FC is in an exciting period of change and one of the primary objectives in the current phase of our evolution is to bring players to our organisation that will significantly assist us build a solid foundation for the future.

“We need players that can help us connect to all key stakeholders ranging from fans and members, the broader community, corporate partners and the media.

“It is about being patient and finding the right players at the right time."

Today a spokesman added: "There have been numerous rumours around all day and for the last few days, and at this point in time, it is just speculation."

Emerton's agent added that the 32-year old Socceroo had not signed with any A-League side...yet.

Simon Konstantinidis told au.fourfourtwo.com: "I can tell you that Brett hasn't signed with an Australian club - and I should know.

"All I can say is that I'm looking forward to seeing him play this weekend against his Socceroo teammate Tim Cahill's Everton in the English Premier League."