SYDNEY FC hope to bolster their squad further before the A-League transfer window closes this week, with coach Graham Arnold targeting a utility player to underscore his side’s title bid.

Despite the signing of experienced Dutch defender Jordy Buijs a fortnight ago it’s believed Sydney have more than $100,000 left in the salary cap, for a deal that would effectively be for four months’ work.

Arnold wants to add one more player in the next 72 hours, before the window shuts at close of business on Wednesday, despite his side’s unbeaten campaign that has left them 11 points clear after 17 rounds.

Sydney FC still have some room in the cap despite signing Jordy Buijis. Source: News Corp Australia

The injury to Sebastian Ryall, who offered cover at both centre half and right back, caused Arnold to reshuffle his defence several times in recent weeks and highlighted a lack of experienced depth.

Ryall tore his hamstring tendon against the Mariners in round 14, and though surgery has been postponed for now, a fresh scan will be necessary in the coming weeks to determine whether his injury is likely to heal naturally.

Sydney will be able to sign an injury replacement, giving them more money to spend, but have to rush to complete any deal in the next two days.

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Arnold will be forced to change his defence once more for Friday’s trip to Brisbane, with left back Michael Zullo to be suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in last thursday’s 2-1 win away to Melbourne Victory.

The returning Rhyan Grant, who himself was suspended for the game in Melbourne, is the likely replacement having spent much of last season covering at left-back.

Meanwhile Western Sydney hope to secure the signing of Ryan Griffiths before the window closes, wit coach Tony Popovic in urgent need of extra firepower before the Asian Champions League campaign begins at the end of next month.