The New Zealand outfit has confirmed the 29-year-old is someone they are tracking with the player’s agent aware of the A-League club’s interest.

Wellington’s impressive recruitment drive has already secured the services of Andrew Durante, Leo Bertos, Jon McKain and Troy Hearfield. Chinese signing Lei Lei Gao arrives at the club on Monday.

Goals at the right end were not a problem for the Phoenix last year with Shane Smeltz hitting a rich vein of form. However, Porter’s capture would provide further firepower.

Former Sydney Olympic and Melbourne Knights forward Porter has endured mixed fortunes with the English third tier club since making his debut in a 2-0 win over Swindon Town in November 2003.

Injuries have disrupted his progress but he did hit the net 14 times in just over 30 games during the 2004/5 season.

He has been on target nine times so far this season for the Victoria Park club which is based in the north east of England.

Phoenix chief executive officer Tony Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “Yes, Joel is someone we would like to get here but he still has an English league season to complete so we wouldn’t expect a decision before early May.

“We’re hopeful though that the prospect of coming back to play in the A-League is very appealing to him.”

The Phoenix chief rejected any suggestion though that a deal was done and dusted. Exploratory talks with agents is as far matters have progressed with the player not having had discussions with either Pignata or coach Ricki Herbert.

Porter, who represented Australia during the 2002 Oceania Cup, has previously been linked with a switch to Perth Glory.