Is David Carney the answer to Sydney FC's goalscoring blues?
On the same day Newcastle dumped the former Socceroo for Sunday's clash against Adelaide because he wasn't "100 per cent committed to the Jets", Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold confirmed that they were in talks to bring Carney back to Moore Park.
Carney, 32, was part of the Sky Blues side that lifted the trophy in 2005-06, and has enjoyed a resurgence under Jets coach Scott Miller this season.
His eye-catching form has now garnered the attention of his old club, who could use someone to spark an attack that has looked toothless without injured skipper Alex Brosque.
"I've got to be honest, I'm interested in David. For me, he's the best player at Newcastle," Arnold said after his side's tired 3-1 defeat to Brisbane on Saturday night.
"He gives a lot of attacking variety and he can play in any number of positions, so we're interested in him."
Talks have already begun with the Jets, with some reports suggesting the possibility of a player swap including midfielders Andrew Hoole and Chris Naumoff.
But despite the transfer window closing on Tuesday, Arnold said no deal was imminent.
"Obviously I've had a chat to Scotty Miller and we've been in touch with Newcastle, but we're still waiting to hear," he said.
"If there is a player swap, the player from us has to want to go up to Newcastle. We can't force him to. Therefore we'll see."
On the eve of their match against the Reds, Miller insisted the club wasn't going to be bullied into letting their leading goalscorer leave without compensation.
"We're in the driver's seat. We're here to maximise our squad, not facilitate other people's success," he said.
Sydney FC are in desperate need of more firepower after yet again shooting blanks against the Roar.
They landed just three of their 12 shots on target, with their only breakthrough coming via an own goal from Corona.
"That's what's hurting us at the moment the most. We're not putting the ball in the back of the net," Arnold said.
"We're putting too much pressure on our defence because we're not scoring goals."
Brosque, who has yet to play in the new year due to a hamstring injury, is likely to return in a fortnight - with Arnold all but ruling him out of next week's clash with Adelaide.
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