Socceroos star Brett Emerton will officially become Sydney FC's new marquee player later on Thursday.
In a history-making deal Emerton will be the first player to exchange the English Premier League for the A-League.
Emerton, 32, will leave Blackburn Rovers one year early after terminating his contract by mutual consent.
He has signed a three-year deal to fill the Sky Blues' second marquee spot alongside Nicky Carle after passing a medical in Manchester on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) Fairfax revealed on Thursday.
Australia's second most-capped player has overcome a minor hamstring complaint that sidelined him against Aston Villa last weekend, and was due to be back on the park against Sheffield Wednesday in a League Cup fixture on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
Emerton will then make his 248th and final appearance for his only EPL club at Ewood Park against Tim Cahill's Everton this weekend.
Sydney's successful pursuit of Emerton caps a stunning week for the A-League, coming days after Melbourne Victory announced the signing of Harry Kewell.
- AAP
