Following the decisions by Paul Ifill and Andrew Durante to stay with the New Zealand-based A-League club, Herbert is keen to retain the services of Muscat and exciting Spanish player Dani Sanchez.

"I spoke to Manny yesterday," said Herbert after training on Saturday.

"He's very keen to stay at the club and that's a massive positive for us. But there is still a little bit of work to go around the contract."

Muscat confirmed there had been interest from "clubs back home in Melbourne" but added: "The Phoenix is always first priority. They've been here for me from day one. I'm going to give them everything I can to see if everything works out and I can sign.

"I've been talking to the club and it's promising. It's good that (Ifill and Durante) have signed on. But I just have to weigh it up with my family now.

"My wife and I are expecting a newborn and it's not far off so it's a decision I have to make soon so I know what's happening in the future."

Muscat was plucked from the Victorian Premier League by Herbert in 2008 and his versatility has been invaluable as he has played in the back four as well as in midfield since making his debut against Brisbane Roar in the opening round of the 2008/09 season.

"I've worked hard to get where I've got now," said the Maltese international.

"It's paid off and now the tables have turned. I was looking for an A-League club and now A-League clubs are chasing me. It's nice."

Herbert hopes to open negotiations with Sanchez's Spanish agent in the coming days.

"Hopefully we can get that one over the line too," the coach said.

"It's about building that stability and then probably looking for additional players, just one or two who would be new to the club, in the next two or three months."

However, Herbert admits he is unlikely to sign anyone on a short-term deal during the January transfer window.

"Ideally from my perspective, if we're going to bring somebody in it would be a longer-term signing," he said.

"Do you bring somebody in now for six weeks and disturb a group that's gone through a lot? It's been a pretty turbulent season but they've knuckled down and they are doing things well.

"You just don't know what that character might be and what they bring into the environment so I'm slightly hesitant.

"But we will be dipping into the market to bring some new players to the club next year if not January."