SOCCEROO Josh Kennedy will be the striking replacement for Melbourne City’s departing superstar David Villa.

The Herald Sun understands that the Kennedy has agreed to join City on a multi-year deal, in a boost for the winless club ahead of tonight’s derby at Etihad Stadium.

But Japan-based Kennedy wouldn’t be available until the January 3 clash away to Central Coast Mariners at the earliest, with his current contract expiring on December 31.

media_camera Josh Kennedy is set to join Melbourne City.

If he makes the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad however, his debut may be delayed until the February 7 derby against Melbourne Victory.

The imminent arrival of Kennedy, 32, offsets the loss of Villa, who is likely to play only two more games for City before returning to parent club New York City.

Kennedy has struggled with the back injury that ruled him out of the Brazil World Cup squad in heartbreaking circumstances and though he hasn’t played since August 23, it’s understood he will be ready by January.

While speculation has centred on Mark Bresciano and Tim Cahill, Bresciano told City last May that he wasn’t ready to return while Cahill was never on the radar.

“We have still have that spot left for the Australian marquee,’’ City coach John van’t Schip said.

“We’re planning and hopefully we can announce something in the coming weeks.

media_camera Josh Kennedy celebrates scoring the goal that put Australia into the 2014 World Cup.

“We’re looking at a lot of options. It’s not only an Australian marquee, we more money, but we still have a visa spot left too.’’

Kennedy’s capture is boost for City, who are losing hope of Villa returning in December to complete the bulk of his 10-game guest stint.

Villa has scored City’s only two goals of the season, and his final City game is set for Friday week at home to Adelaide United.

Van’t Schip said news of his early exit hadn’t demoralised the players, and said it wasn’t his call when asked whether fans should’ve been alerted earlier.

“That’s something that I should not be answering. I am coach. Internally we have some of those discussions,’’ he said.

“He is with us two more games then we’ll see what the clubs are going to decide.

“The boys know the situation, we talked about it internally so there’s no surprises.

“Since David Villa came he’s been unbelievable with the boys and the boys with him, he’s happy.

media_camera Josh Kennedy playing for his Japanese club Nagoya Grampus.

“There are enough players that are going to stand up that can score goals (in the derby).’’

City hasn’t won an A-League game since the derby win last March, and said they needed to be better in attack.

“Improvement should be in turning the domination into more clear chances and goals,’’ van’t Schip said.

“It’s not going to change the way we play, but that’s one thing we know we have to improve.’’