Elrich is a free agent after being released by English Premier League club Fulham and has been tipped with a move back to Australia.

Sydney's Sun Herald yesterday quoted Elrich as saying he was a "good chance" of joining Wellington by Tuesday and that he had met with club owner Terry Serepisos.

"They are keen to have me there," the Sun Herald quoted Elrich as saying. "The coach [Ricki Herbert] is also the New Zealand national team coach and to play under someone like him will be a real benefit.

"Wellington is a home away from home and I'll be back here every second week. It will keep me away from the distractions of family and friends and I can focus on football."

Today however, Wellington newspaper The Dominion Post claimed Ricki Herbert is unaware of any meeting between Serepisos and Elrich.

Phoenix refused to comment on the speculation when contacted by au.fourfourtwo.com this afternoon.

A club spokesman declined the chance to lay the rumours to rest, but a press conference scheduled at Phoenix's office was about their glamour game against LA Galaxy, and not Elrich.

Ahmad's brother Tarek - who plays with the Newcastle Jets - has previously told au.fourfourtwo.com that Ahmad's main priority is to play first team football and force his way back into the Socceroos.