Williams was dropped from the Glory side that lost 4-1 at home to Sydney on Saturday sparking speculation the 28-year-old was linking up with Graham Arnold's league leaders.

Glory CEO Peter Filopoulos told FourFourTwo the Sky Blues had flagged interest in the former Middlesbrough player.

"We can confirm that Sydney sent a letter but we promptly reminded them that Rhys has another year to run after this one and they’ve apologised for the oversight," Filopoulos said.

He added that it was purely a "selection decision" to omit the 14-capped Socceroo from the line-up. 

Last night's result sees Sydney surge seven points clear at the top of the table while Glory slumped to sixth with their fifth loss of the campaign.

Filopoulos said: "This time of the year players who have six months left (on their contracts), clubs are entitled to approach them.

"As a courtesy they write to the club involved to say they have intentions of speaking to their player. Those letters are flying all over the A-League at the moment.

"However in Rhys Williams scenario he’s got another year to run beyond this one. It doesn’t apply."