A TUG OF WAR has emerged for the services of Melbourne City defender Alex Wilkinson, with Central Coast and Sydney FC circling.

The Mariners, Wilkinson’s former club who also attempted to sign him in February, tabled him a multi-year offer a month ago understood to be in excess of $300,000-a-season.

Central Coast are the only club to have made a formal offer, although City would like to keep Wilkinson and has verbally indicated what they can offer, believed to be less than the Mariners’.

media_camera Alex Wilkinson is being hunted by the Mariners and Sydney. Picture: Christopher Chan.

Wilkinson, who’s played a key role in solidifying City’s defence since arriving in February, signed a short-term deal and is among a host of players whose futures are uncertain heading into Sunday’s elimination final.

Captain Patrick Kisnorbo, Aaron Hughes, Nick Fitzgerald, Michael Zullo, James Brown, Wade Dekker, Dean Bouzanis, Marc Marino and Jason Trifiro are off contract while Anthony Caceres’ loan from Manchester City ceases.

Young quartet Connor Chapman, Jacob Melling, Jack Clisby and Paulo Retre signed contract extensions in January, while City are in discussions with a number of players from rival clubs with an eye on next season.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold is keen on Wilkinson for next season as he aims to revitalise the squad after a disappointing season, although the Sky Blues have yet to make an offer.

The exit Senegalese defender Jacques Faty from Sydney was confirmed yesterday, and he’s rumoured to be joining the Mariners.

Wilkinson, 31, has enjoyed his time in Melbourne however his young family has remained in Sydney, meaning a move north remains a strong possibility.

media_camera Alex Wilkinson during his time with the Mariners.

The Mariners are understood to have made their offer just before the Socceroos’ recent World Cup qualifiers, where Wilkinson received a late call up.

Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp refused to discuss Wilkinson specifically but confirmed they were keen to bolster their squad after finishing last this season with a youthful side.

“We are heavily pursuing experience players in the market to ensure we make a massive impact next season,’’ Mielekamp said.

Meanwhile Football Federation Australia confirmed that the top tier of the AAMI Park stands will be open for Sunday’s elimination final between City and Glory.

The top tier has just been open once for a non-derby City home game, for David Villa’s home debut in Round 2 of last season.