With his contract expiring weeks ago, Brosque had been widely expected to sign a one-year extension but he is still yet to put pen to paper on what appeared a formality.

Brosque poised to sign new Sydney FC deal

After spending the past two seasons as the club’s Australian marquee, the deal put before the striker is thought to have fallen well below expectations, leading to an impasse that is yet to be resolved.

As the months have dragged on without a resolution, the Wanderers found themselves in need of a left-sided forward after the sale of Mark Bridge to Thai Premier League club Chiangrai United.

Now The World Game can reveal that has led the 2014 AFC Champions League winners to make contact with Brosque’s representatives about making what would rank among the most sensational switches in A-League history.

The Wanderers have promised to keep a “respectful distance” from the 32 year-old’s discussions with Sydney, but have made it known that if they cannot reach a settlement, a better rate than the Sky Blues' current offer will be forthcoming.

When news of the story broke on Friday, Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata said his club would do everything they could to keep their star striker.

"Lot of rumors flying around. Alex Brosque is going nowhere," Pignata said on Twitter.

"He is Sky Blue and always will be."

While Western Sydney's squad has been littered with ex-Sydney players over the years, none generate the emotional tie of Brosque, who remains a fan favourite for his deeds over the past decade, broken up by a spell in Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

Brosque’s clear preference is stay with Sydney, having shown great loyalty to the club in the past, and it is still very much expected that the two parties will come to an agreement.

Still, with all A-League clubs set to come back to pre-season training in a few weeks’ time, the player’s patience will only last so long without a deal.

It’s also thought Sydney want to see how the ex-Marconi junior has recovered from a string of hamstring injuries that ruined his 2015-2016 season, where he made only 13 appearances, scoring five goals.

However, the club’s all-time leading scorer and second-highest appearance maker could be swayed by several factors.

Not only did Brosque grow up in the western suburbs but still lives out there, among his extended family and friends - many of who have decided to support the Wanderers.

He is also good friends with many of Western Sydney's coaching staff, having played with all three of Tony Popovic, Zeljko Kalac and Hayden Foxe at Sydney FC.

Brosque turns 33 four days after what will be the largest crowd in A-League history, when the Wanderers host the Sky Blues at ANZ Stadium in round one next season.

The mooted switch of clubs would add a huge extra layer of intrigue to a match many pundits believe will attract an attendance in excess of 60,000.