Sydney confirmed today they have approached Yorke’s representatives, SFX, after claims they have received permission to discuss a deal from Birmingham manager Steve Bruce.

A club statement read: “Sydney FC has confirmed it has approached…Birmingham City and Dwight Yorke’s management company SFX with a view to making Yorke the club’s marque signing for the 2005/06 Hyundai A-League.

“Sydney FC has been granted permission by Birmingham’s manager, Steve Bruce, to negotiate with Yorke, and SFX have been contacted by Sydney FC about bringing the Trinidad and Tobago international to Australia.”

A Sydney club spokesman told Fox Sports in Australia: “It’s now just a matter of agreeing on personal terms. Dwight has told us he’s keen to come“.

Yorke has made only four Premiership starts for Birmingham following his summer move from Blackburn, the last of which came in October against Crystal Palace.

He has slipped further down the pecking order at St Andrews with the signings of Robbie Blake and Walter Pandiani and has not been involved in Birmingham’s last two games.

Last month Bruce admitted he was prepared to let the 33-year-old go, saying: “I’ve had a chat with Dwight and he’s a bit frustrated that he hasn’t been playing as regularly as he would like.

“If the right bid comes in, then it’s probably best for all concerned that he makes a move.”

Sydney have already signed former Aberdeen striker David Zdrilic and former Leicester and Wolves midfielder Steve Corica.