Oar, who was granted a release from his two-year Ipswich Town contract last month after finding it difficult to settle in the UK, has been fielding a number of offers and is believed to close to making a final decision.

While the 24 year-old has been tempted by strong interest from Russia, the Netherlands – where he spent five years with FC Utrecht – the MLS and China, it’s believed the Sky Blues could be a favoured option for the Queenslander, who cited homesickness after six years aboard as a motivating factor for his exit just five months into his Portman Road contract.

It’s understood that Sydney are prepared to pay Oar, who is looking to return to club football in time to be in contention for next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Tajikistan and Jordan on home soil, around $500,000 per season.

The contract would include the rest of this season, and the following two years, with Oar likely to plump for the Sky Blues over the other A-League clubs chasing him – Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City and his former team Brisbane Roar.

all this fuss about Tim Cahill and you know who else doesn't have a contract? Tommy Oar... — Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) February 18, 2016

As Oar terminated his Tractor Boys deal before the closure of the Australian transfer window on 2 February he would be able to sign for the Sky Blues, or any A-League club, as a free agent, pending final approve by Football Federation Australia.

Sources claim that Oar could be tempted by an offer which could see him replace current skipper Alex Brosque as one of the club’s marquee players next season, while still joining them for the remainder of an A-League campaign in danger of sliding off the rails as Perth Glory ramp up the pressure for the final play-off place.

But a final call will not be made by Oar until the weekend as he sifts through the offers.