Sheffield Utd chase Carney

Sydney FC had rejected Carney's initial request to speak to the Yorkshire club but changed their mind once they received assurances that Sheffield United were serious about their offer.

"We always said we wouldn't stand in David's way of going overseas if we received a genuine offer that was in everyone's best interests," Sydney chief executive George Perry said.

Carney, 23, spent several seasons playing in Britain after initially signing with Everton as a 16-year-old but returned to Australia last year to help Sydney FC win their inaugural A-League championship.

Australian media reported this week claim the club was on the verge of signing former Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho Paulista as their "marquee" player for the upcoming season.

Sydney have been searching for a high-profile player to replace former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke as their "marquee" player, who led the club to the championship then joined Sunderland.

The club had spoken with former England striker Robbie Fowler, Dutch midfielder Philip Cocu and Socceroos striker John Aloisi but all rejected offers.

Juninho, 34, has played professionally in his native Brazil, England, Spain and Scotland and was a member of the Brazilian team that won the 2002 World Cup.