Macarthur’s three-way raid on Sydney FC

A-League new boys Macarthur FC’s hopes of prising Milos Ninkovic away from Sydney FC are just one part of a mooted three-way raid on the champions.

Sydney FC’s Milos Ninkovic could be the man Macarthur FC build around

A-League new boys Macarthur FC’s hopes of prising Milos Ninkovic away from Sydney FC are just one part of a mooted three-way raid on the champions with the aim of instilling instant quality into their debut season.

As both Sydney and Macarthur wait on Ninkovic’s agonised decision over his future beyond this year, Luke Brattan and Michael Zullo are also on Macarthur’s wishlist as coach Ante Milicic plots the outline of his first squad.

Turning up the temperature of an already simmering intra-city rivalry, Macarthur’s interest in three Sky Blues places them in a line of suitors hoping to fillet Sydney’s record-breaking squad for next season.

Ninkovic declined to speak about his future during a club visit to the Sydney Children’s Hospital on Monday, having received an upgraded offer from Sydney in the face of Macarthur tabling a three-year deal to join the A-League arrivistes.

Though Sydney are hopeful a two-year contract will persuade Ninkovic to forsake Macarthur’s advances, they face a similar battle to keep Zullo and Brattan out of the clutches of their new noisy neighbours.

Michael Zullo is a target for Macarthur FC

Though Zullo has played only three games this season after suffering a quad injury on the back of a virus, he has been hugely consistent for the champions over the past three seasons.

Brattan, meanwhile, has been outstanding for the Sky Blues since effectively swapping clubs with Josh Brillante, and both players are in the sights of several A-League rivals.

Brattan is unlikely to rush into any decision over his future as he deals with family issues that have taken his focus in recent weeks, though he retains ambitions of playing in Europe after one abortive attempt on the books of Manchester City.

Luke Brattan is wanted by several clubs

“I’ve told the club I don’t want to talk about it (a new deal) at the moment, I’ve had some problems off the field, I’ve had a few issues with my family,” Brattan said.

“I’m very happy where I am, it’s a great culture, a great club, (but) I’m not thinking about that at the moment. Time will deal with that.

“Sydney has proven that they’re the best over the last four years. My personal preference is getting the best out of me and the happiest I can be for me and my family. My family is number one.”

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Asked about Macarthur’s interest, Brattan added: “I haven’t really thought about that at all. I’m a Sydney FC player, I’m enjoying every minute and I’m very happy where I am.

“Of course, I’ve got to consider all things, I’m not young anymore and my family is my number one preference. My goal still is to play overseas. I wasn’t very successful in England. I’d still like to go overseas and test myself abroad.

“The Asian Champions League will be a good test, it’s a good market and we want to do well in the ACL, we’ve put together a good squad.”

Meanwhile, Adelaide United captain Michael Jakobsen says he’s comfortable with the Reds’ depth and isn’t looking towards the January transfer window, despite injuries hitting the A-League club’s attacking stocks.

Riley McGree is building towards a return from a knee injury while striker Kristian Opseth (adductor) is also on the comeback trail, but coach Gertjan Verbeek will be loath to rush the pair back, meaning Adelaide could be depleted against Central Coast Mariners this week.

Despite the injuries, Jakobsen wasn’t looking towards the January transfer window.

“I’m happy with the squad we have now,” Jakobsen said. “We’re doing well and we’re winning games, so I’m really happy and I think there is good depth as well when everybody’s fit.”