Sydney snared the 34 year old Socceroo skipper at the last moment with an unbeatable offer to scupper Neill's talks with their Melbourne rivals and ensure he stayed in his hometown.

His arrival follows the exit of fellow Socceroo Jason Culina last week and the season-long injury to defensive lynchpin Pascal Bosschaart, opening up the possibility of an injury replacement signing.

Newlty confirmed long-term coach Frank Farina was delighted to bolster his defence with the experienced centreback in a deal initially until the end of the season.

“We’re thrilled Lucas has joined Sydney FC,” said coach Frank Farina.

“He is the current Socceroo captain and one of Australia’s most decorated players but more importantly he is a tremendous defender and he will make a valuable contribution in the run in to the semi final series.”

Neill made the decision to join Sydney FC this morning.

“I’m a Sydney boy and I’m excited to be coming back to Australia to play club football in front of friends and family with Sydney FC,” Neill said.

“I worked with Frank for many years in the Socceroos and I look back on those times with good memories, and it’s great to have the chance to enjoy further success together at Sydney FC.

Hopefully the team can get a win today and I look forward to meeting my new teammates tomorrow.”

He is likely to be available to debut in the round 22 clash against Mebourne Heart at AAMI Park next weekend - just to rub salt into Heart's wound at missing out on him.

Heart had felt confident about bringing Neill to Victoria, with coach John Aloisi talking up the deal during the week, although admitting nothing had been signed.

Aloisi added: “After speaking to him, he’s watched quite a few games in the A-League and he could see what we’re trying to do as a team - he likes the way we’re trying to play football.”

Brisbane Roar's exit from the Asian Champions League midweek proved the final nail in the coffin of their bid for Neill.

The skipper has been clubless since leaving United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl, following a stint at Al Jazira after time at Galatasaray, Everton, West Ham, Blackburn Rovers and Millwall.

He had been warned by Socceroos coach Holger Osieck to find a new deal if he wanted to keep his role with the Roos.

EPL veteran Neill still retains strong links with Sydney and every year, he sponsors a local youngster to go to the UK to gain experience with the top clubs.

He also maintains a very close link with his first club, Manly United, which has a stand named after him.

Neill will line up alongside Alessandro Del Piero, Brett Emerton and Joel Griffiths under newly-confirmed long term boss Frank Farina as Sydney make a turbo-charged late run for glory despite their disastrous start.