Jade North
WANTED: Socceroos defender Jade North. Picture: Adam Smith Source: Herald Sun
FRANK Farina is keen to add Socceroos centreback Jade North to Sydney FC's roster as he seeks to bolster the basement club's leaky rearguard that has conceded 25 goals in 11 games.
But with North believed still to be keen on remaining in Japan, where he enjoyed a successful season personally even while his club Consadole Sapporo was relegated, Farina may have to look elsewhere as he seeks urgent reinforcements for a rapid rebuilding project at Sydney.
Having secured Joel Griffiths to spearhead the club's attack in the second half of the season, Farina is understood to be in the market for more defensive options.
However North has been advised by Socceroos coach Holger Osieck that his prospects of playing in the 2014 World Cup will be best served by staying in the J-League, the reason he rejected a similar approach from Melbourne Victory two months ago.
Farina, who gave North his debut in the Socceroos, will be involved in both short-term and long-term player recruitment, club CEO Tony Pignata confirmed to The Daily Telegraph yesterday, with the Sky Blues having 14 players off contract this season.
There is also continued speculation over the future of Alessandro Del Piero, after the club made a statement on Tuesday confirming its wish that he stay for a second year in the A-League.
Captain Terry McFlynn said he was confident Del Piero would remain in Australia next season, and specifically at Sydney despite public interest from the Mariners.
"He's won everything in the game ... every competition he's entered since he was a kid, he's won it," McFlynn said of Del Piero.
"This is no different. He wants to win it and he sees this as something unfinished for him.
"He's a world-class footballer and I think any football club in the world would have him and we're just privileged and honoured to have him here."
McFlynn will return from suspension in Saturday night's clash away to Newcastle.