WELLINGTON Phoenix could be quids in if they offer homeless Socceroo striker John Aloisi a seven week guest slot that would include their glamour tie with LA Galaxy.
The Kiwi club is rumoured to be in negotiations with Aloisi to allow him to play alongside his brother Ross for the first time in the A-League.
However, the club has not confirmed any talks are currently ongoing with the striker, whose legendary penalty against Uruguay took Australia to the 2006 World Cup.
Phoenix currently have a full squad and just signed up Socceroo and former Fulham player, Ahmad Elrich, as their marquee star for the season.
With no season-long injuries currently announced that could allow Phoenix to sign Aloisi on as a replacement player, a speculated long-term move to the club looks impossible.
But under FFA rules, Phoenix can sign up a guest player to join the club for seven weeks outside the normal squad and tight A-League salary cap.
And Wellington have a series of lucrative home games lined up from round 13 which could bring in huge home crowds eager to see the Aloisi double act drawcard.
Between November 17 and January 4, they are playing away for just two of their seven matches, with the rest all hosted at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
Included on the fixture list are a double header against crowd-puller Sydney FC as well as a potential Aloisi grudge match with Adelaide, and games against Queensland Roar and Perth Glory.
However A-League rules don't allow guest players to participate in the final four games of the regular season, which would mean Aloisi's role would have to begin in round 11.
Finalising an early deal now could also allow Aloisi several weeks to train alongside the squad to get back up to match fitness after months out the game before having to take to the field.
And a seven week guest slot even from round 11 would also mean Aloisi could add extra star quality to the side taking on David Beckham's LA Galaxy when they meet Phoenix in Wellington on December 1.
As well as fulfilling the long-held dream of playing with his brother, Aloisi could be keen on the deal as a way to showcase his talents to overseas clubs while he searches for a permanent contract in the January transfer window.
At the moment, it is pure speculation, but at the age of 31, Aloisi will be desperate to get back into the game.
He hasn't played domestic football since his deal with Spanish second division side, Alaves, ran out earlier this year, and he missed a call-up for the Socceroos' friendly against Argentina last month.
He had originally been tipped to join his brother at Adelaide United this season, but fell out with the club when they axed Ross following the grand final debacle.
He has since been in talks with Sydney FC and a string of clubs across Europe but has been unable to iron out a deal.
United were tipped to be trying to heal the rift with Aloisi earlier this week and bringing him in as a replacement player for injured Bruce Djite.
But the club has since admitted they now need a defender instead to replace Michael Valkanis who is out for the season.
Wellington Phoenix today admitted they would love to have Aloisi on their squad list.
A spokesman added: "If a player of John Aloisi's calibre would be available and wanted to play, we would be fools not to look at it."
However, the club has not confirmed any talks are currently ongoing with the striker, whose legendary penalty against Uruguay took Australia to the 2006 World Cup.
Phoenix currently have a full squad and just signed up Socceroo and former Fulham player, Ahmad Elrich, as their marquee star for the season.
With no season-long injuries currently announced that could allow Phoenix to sign Aloisi on as a replacement player, a speculated long-term move to the club looks impossible.
But under FFA rules, Phoenix can sign up a guest player to join the club for seven weeks outside the normal squad and tight A-League salary cap.
And Wellington have a series of lucrative home games lined up from round 13 which could bring in huge home crowds eager to see the Aloisi double act drawcard.
Between November 17 and January 4, they are playing away for just two of their seven matches, with the rest all hosted at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
Included on the fixture list are a double header against crowd-puller Sydney FC as well as a potential Aloisi grudge match with Adelaide, and games against Queensland Roar and Perth Glory.
However A-League rules don't allow guest players to participate in the final four games of the regular season, which would mean Aloisi's role would have to begin in round 11.
Finalising an early deal now could also allow Aloisi several weeks to train alongside the squad to get back up to match fitness after months out the game before having to take to the field.
And a seven week guest slot even from round 11 would also mean Aloisi could add extra star quality to the side taking on David Beckham's LA Galaxy when they meet Phoenix in Wellington on December 1.
As well as fulfilling the long-held dream of playing with his brother, Aloisi could be keen on the deal as a way to showcase his talents to overseas clubs while he searches for a permanent contract in the January transfer window.
At the moment, it is pure speculation, but at the age of 31, Aloisi will be desperate to get back into the game.
He hasn't played domestic football since his deal with Spanish second division side, Alaves, ran out earlier this year, and he missed a call-up for the Socceroos' friendly against Argentina last month.
He had originally been tipped to join his brother at Adelaide United this season, but fell out with the club when they axed Ross following the grand final debacle.
He has since been in talks with Sydney FC and a string of clubs across Europe but has been unable to iron out a deal.
United were tipped to be trying to heal the rift with Aloisi earlier this week and bringing him in as a replacement player for injured Bruce Djite.
But the club has since admitted they now need a defender instead to replace Michael Valkanis who is out for the season.
Wellington Phoenix today admitted they would love to have Aloisi on their squad list.
A spokesman added: "If a player of John Aloisi's calibre would be available and wanted to play, we would be fools not to look at it."
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