Football Federation Australia's HQ has been a hive of activity this week as numerous franchises bid to join the professional ranks.

Ben Buckley and his colleagues have been examining proposals from the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Townsville among others.

However, Phoenix CEO Pignata doesn't see the FFA looking at another franchise from across the Tasman any time soon.

Pignata beleves it's all down to population and finances simply being unable to support a second Kiwi side.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "I honest don't see it at this stage.

"Clearly the FFA is very keen to see more teams added to the competition but all the bids they're looking at are Australian ones.

"It's not that we'd be scared by another franchise, I just think it's a question of whether there's the market there from a commercial point of view. This is a country of four million people."

Phoenix are continuing their preparations for the new season but the club is still in limbo as to whether they will succeed in their pursuit of Hartlepool United striker Joel Porter.

A club spokesman told au.fourfourtwo.com today that a decision was expected 'one way or the other' in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Phoenix boss Ricki Herbert has been spending time with Sunderland boss Roy Keane as the pair work towards their UEFA Pro Licence, with Keane also checking out life with the All Backs.

Keane had been due to attend a Phoenix training game tonight but adverse weather has put paid to the fixture.