Carney, Paartalu's late A-League transfers

David Carney and Erik Paartalu are the last-day movers in a busy January for several A-League clubs.

After a month agitating for a release from A-League strugglers Newcastle, Carney received his wish on Tuesday afternoon, clearing the way for a switch to Sydney FC.

The 32-year-old has been one of the Jets' best contributors in a season that has flatlined.

His move south to the Sky Blues confirms his journeyman status; Carney has not spent more than two seasons at the same club since leaving English Premier League outfit Everton more than a decade ago.

Since then, Carney has turned out for 11 clubs in seven countries.

His form in the Hunter prompted Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold to bolster his underperforming attack with the ex-Socceroo.

Three clubs used January to make major changes to their squads; Melbourne City, Central Coast and Perth.

The Mariners made the biggest January splash, bringing Luis Garcia to Gosford as one of five new signings.

They want to bring one more - Youssouf Hersi - but have yet to arrange a visa.

City raided Tony Walmsley's side via their parent club Manchester City for Anthony Caceres, with Nick Fitzgerald also leaving the Hunter.

Long-term City target Osama Malik joined from Adelaide at the cost of sending gun youngster Stefan Mauk the other way.

City also lost major players.

Paartalu headed to Korea on Tuesday, Robi Koren had his contract torn up and David Williams was given a release to ply his trade in Hungary.

While Perth appear unlikely to make the finals, it hasn't stop them making a trio of major signings.

Andy Keogh returned to the club after a stint in Thailand, West Australian Shane Lowry swapped Birmingham for Glory and former A-League golden boot winner Adam Taggart will wear purple from next season.

Newcastle at least offset Carney's loss with the signings of Olyroo Steven Ugarkovic and former Danish international Morten Nordstrand.

The Sky Blues have been one of the least-active sides in the transfer window, releasing only Alex Gersbach up until Tuesday night.

Melbourne Victory have been a similar picture of instability; gaining only local winger Jai Ingham.

Brisbane added just junior international Joe Caletti, while Wellington swapped striker Jeffrey Saprong for Alex Jones.

In addition to its trade with City, Adelaide lost key midfielder Jimmy Jeggo.

Tony Popovic made minor changes to his league-leading Wanderers team - including the addition of Matt Sim on Monday.