Milos Ninkovic is edging towards remaining with Sydney FC after missing a deadline to respond to a multi-year contract offer from A-League newcomers Macarthur FC.

The Campbelltown club made the Serbian playmaker their first transfer target but may have missed out on having him as their historic signing after Ninkovic didn't agree to terms before 5pm on Friday.

Wanted man: Sydney FC star Milos Ninkovic is a target of Macarthur. Credit:Chris Lane

Macarthur declined to comment on the future of their discussions with Ninkovic when approached by the Herald on Friday. Sources close to the player suggest he had a positive discussion with the Bulls' coach Ante Milicic last week before receiving a two-year offer but was given a strict time frame because the club needed to move fast to recruit an entire squad for their inaugural season.

Sydney FC coach Steve Corica is desperate to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, who has been the driving force behind the Sky Blues' four seasons of dominance in the A-League. Ninkovic is off-contract at season's end and Corica says he will look to do whatever he can to keep the Serbian international at the club, potentially increasing their offer.