The French-born Senegalese international has played a leading role in the Sky Blues' recent hot streak with Graham Arnold's side winning five of his six games since arriving as an injury replacement for Ali Abbas.

And the 32-year-old's domineering displays have not gone unnoticed by avaricious A-League rivals, and elsewhere, as Tavares helps power Sydney’s drive towards the premiership.

With cousin Jacques Faty also at Moore Park as an injury replacement for Sasa Ognenovski, Tavares – preferred in recent starting line-ups to young gun Terry Antonis – is feeling at home at a club unbeaten in nine games and poised to go top of the table of it beats Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

With Sydney primed to make a decision on whether to try and extend his stay within the next three weeks, Tavares said: “There has been some interest from clubs in Australia and also in Europe but I am trying not to think about it too much.

“God will decide if I have to stay or not … it’s also up to Sydney FC what they want to do.

"It's early to talk about the future too much. I am happy at Sydney. Even the training is good and it’s showing in the way we play.

“When the weather is good and your team is winning it’s easy to enjoy life. For the moment I love it, but in football everything can go quickly and I just want it make sure we keep performing as we are.

“When I came to the club there was more a feeling of making sure we finished as high in the top six as possible.

"There was a 10-point gap to the top but now that’s down to one point.

"So our objectives have changed and now are determined to win the title and go on to the grand final.”

Tavares sounded a note of caution though with Sydney almost blowing big leads against the likes of Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar lately.

“We led 3-0 against the Wanderers but only won 4-3 and then it was 4-1 against Brisbane at the weekend and we only to win 5-4, so we need to be focused at the back to make sure we don’t lose those sort of advantages again," he said.

"It’s definitely something we need to fix and we must play a little bit smarter at times.”

Tavares believes he is sharpening his game each week, explaining: “When I first arrived I came off a month's break in Europe (with Czech club FK Mlada Boleslav) and it took me a little time to get into my stride.

"I think now I am close to 100 per cent - but I haven't shown my best yet.

"Maybe that will come in a few games because I am getting close now and will get stronger.

“My role in the team is to break down the attack from the other side and then get us going forward ... hopefully that’s been working for me and I am doing what the coach wants.”

Tavares shares an apartment with cousin Faty, who is back from injury and available to return to the side against City.

"It's the first time we’ve played together at club level (after growing up together in Paris) and it's great having him around," he added.

“He’s missed some games through injury but is fit now and hopefully he will come back and help us."



