The Hartlepool United striker is out of contract at Victoria Park and is weighing up his options over his next move.

There is an offer on the table from Wellington but it is not going to remain there indefinitely.

Chief executive Tony Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I believe Joel is talking to the club (Hartlepool) this week as their league has just finished over there.

“He knows of our interest and hopefully he decides that this is where he wants to play his football next season.”

However, while Phoenix understand any player’s desire to mull over a contract offer, there is also a desire at Westpac Stadium to have an answer sooner rather than later.

Pignata said: “I would like an answer within the next two weeks, certainly.”

And the CEO added that it wasn’t a case of all the eggs being placed in the Porter basket. He said: “There is a Plan B and a Plan C if you like.

"As a club you are always exploring different options so yes, we have spoken to various people. You need to examine all sorts of factors such as availability and cost.”

Phoenix have three spots left to fill its squad for next season. Two should be filled before the season kicks off in August with one left clear for later in the campaign.

Meanwhile Pignata has given his thumbs up to the changes made by the FFA for the new A-League season.

He said: “The Fifa windows are a Godsend for us. We could have been left with a situation where we were minus eight or nine players for fixtures.

"It’s something we pushed for. We’re also pleased that we’re not faced with three away games in a row.”