Shane Smeltz's departure to Gold Coast United has left the club with a big hole to fill and Herbert will be accompanied by CEO Tony Pignata in the hunt for fresh goal power.

Phoenix have already done their research with the top targets and their agents made aware of Wellington's interest ahead of the club's arrival.

Finding a second Shane Smeltz is no easy task but the club hopes the player's success at Westpac Stadium can prove a useful recruiting tool.

The Johnny Warren Medal-winner had been playing his football with English non-league clubs Halifax Town and AFC Wimbledon before trying his luck with Wellington. The rest, as they say, is history.

Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We're looking for a couple of strikers and Ricki (Herbert) and I will be heading over to Europe at the beginning of March.

"We have spoken to several people (strikers) and their agents. They're aware of our interest and there's three or four options."

Pignata admits Smeltz's success at the club combined with Robbie Fowler's capture by North Queensland Fury can only aid their mission.

He said: "I think the A-League is becoming more widely recognised now. Robbie Fowler is a high profile capture for the competition and a lot of countries now have highlights of the A-League.

"We believe we can offer a good standard and combine that with the lifestyle, you hope that players looking for a change of scene are going to find it appealing."

While goalscorers are top priority, the European trip may also see attempts to fill another gaping hole in the squad.

Pignata said: "Obviously Glen Moss is moving on to Melbourne Victory so we need to add a goalkeeper as well."