Indonesian international Pamungkas, played in his country's 1-0 loss to Australia in March.

"He's like the pin-up boy in Indonesia. He's on all the billboards and posters," said Herbert.

"I think the Indonesian FA are keen to broaden opportunities for their players and they've been very helpful and been supportive in getting him here.

"It's not a major risk to the club and it's a chance for us to see him."

The decision to sign Pamungkas could hinge on whether Jade North opts to take up the deal on offer from Wellington as only five foreign players are allowed per squad and Herbert could be forced to look overseas for a defender if the ex-Jets skipper chooses to go elsewhere.

"We've got options but I'd like to bring Jade in for a lot of reasons," said the Phoenix coach. "A, he's a quality player. B he's an Australian too so it wouldn't eat into a foreign spot.

"I'm going to sign a defender no matter what. But if we sign another foreign player then your options to sign a defender are back into Australia and New Zealand again and I don't want to have to be restricted by that."