Boss Ricki Herbert and CEO Tony Pignata recently returned from a scouting trip to Europe and one port of call was English Premier League side Wigan Athletic.

Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We did speak to Everton and Wigan but it won't be happening. Everton are going to the US for pre-season I believe and although we had a very good chat with Steve Bruce, Wigan will have their build-up closer to home (in Europe)."

In the current financial climate Pignata said it was imperative that any such-friendly had to be guaranteed to put bums on seats.

He said: "You cannot put yourself in a position where you are left looking at a loss situation."

Despite that Pignata said the trip had been a tremendous opportunity to make new friends and further spread the Phoenix brand.

"Our visit to Wigan was extremely useful as we got to see how they go about things, viewed their training facilities and of course talked to the manager," he said.

"I think the idea of bringing Wigan out here excited him, even though it won't be happening this time."

Pignata said it wasn't a case of establishing official/formal links with a particular club but having friends in different leagues was not to be sniffed at.

"You never know when a situation could arise in the future where you may be in a position to mutually benefit," he said.

Having said that it doesn't seem likely that Phoenix's quest for another new striker will yield one of Wigan's highly-paid front men.

The search continues though and Phoenix are continuing to talk with agents over potential targets to join fellow new boy Chris Greenacre in attack.

England remains the most likely country to unearth a new recruit although other European targets are also being looked at.

"The season is coming to an end over there so hopefully that makes it easier to deal with players who are now looking towards their next move," said Pignata.