The 27-year-old Argentina-born Australian, released from the final year of his two-year contract with the Central Coast Mariners by mutual consent, will join Phoenix in Wellington on Wednesday and could play against Adelaide United on Friday pending final medical and fitness tests.

Caceres was instrumental in leading Melbourne Victory to the Hyundai A-League championship in 2006/07 and enjoyed two stellar seasons with the Victorian club after signing on from Perth Glory following the inaugural season of the competition.

He was then snapped up on a two-year deal by the Mariners in 2008/09. He played 22 games for the Gosford outfit that season and scored two goals. However, after not being picked to play for the Mariners in the first four games of the 2009/10 campaign, Caceres sought - and was granted - an early out.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the New Zealand-based club was thrilled to have secured the services of Caceres up on a deal that will see him in black and gold till at least the end of the season.

"Adrian's a very attack-minded player," said Pignata. "To make the playoffs we need to add depth to the squad and Adrian, who has a championship-winning pedigree with Melbourne Victory, will add attacking flair to the team.

"He'll join us in Wellington on Wednesday and, all going well with the medical and fitness tests, he'll be in consideration for Friday night's game against Adelaide at Westpac Stadium."

Caceres is the second player to jump the ditch from the Mariners to Wellington Phoenix. Adam Kwasnik left Central Coast for Phoenix last season - but then returned to Gosford.

Mariners executive chairman Lyall Gorman wished Caceres well at his new home.

"Adrian came to the Mariners with high hopes from Melbourne," he said. "While things may not have worked out quite how he or the club would have hoped, we certainly wish him the best of luck in what is a great opportunity for him.

"Over the past couple of weeks Wellington expressed an interest in acquiring the services of Adrian, and in discussions between the clubs it was agreed to release Adrian to them. We hope this move helps him achieve his goal of regular first team football.

"We thank Adrian for his contribution to the Central Coast Mariners and wish him all the success with his new club."