FOUR BRAZILLIANS ON WAY

Then there were four. Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said yesterday the club are closely tracking four South American players and hopes to announce their signings by next weekend.

The Sunday Star-Times revealed last week that a Brazilian attacking midfielder was close to inking a deal with the new franchise, but confirmation has been held up by red tape.

"To sign a player in New Zealand or Australia is a little bit easier," said Herbert. "We should have something definite to announce next weekend.

"South America is a market we've looked at extensively and I've linked into a couple of key contacts who are scouting for us. We're on the right track and have good people handling it." Herbert said some of the players are Brazilian, but there could be some "spice" in the final roster. He confirmed that All Whites fullback Tony Lochhead and former international striker Vaughn Coveny are discussing contract details with the Phoenix.

And the door is still open for Britain and European-based players with a Phoenix agent sifting through prospects there.

"I'd like to think that in the next fortnight we'll have everything in place. I might not go to 23 players because this is the first year that in the pre-season tournament you can trial players who aren't registered with the club."