Sydney FC's search for a foreign left back could be close to an end with the Sky Blues in negotiations to sign former West Ham defender George McCartney.

George McCartney (L) playing for West Ham in 2012. Credit:Getty Images

Sydney held preliminary talks directly with the Northern Irishman with a view to bringing him to the harbour city as their fourth visa player for the coming season. Discussions have been informal thus far and a deal is yet to be signed but McCartney is one of several left-sided defenders on Sydney's wish list and it is understood the club expects to know whether the former English Premier League defender will be interested in a move to the A-League by the end of the week.

McCartney, 33, has been on the search for a new team since parting ways with the East London club at the end of his contract on June 30 and has caught the attention of the Sky Blues, who are still looking for an experienced full-time left back to complete their roster.