The Wellington Phoenix remain tight-lipped about the future of Michael McGlinchey, despite the All Whites midfielder training with the A-League football club.
Michael McGlinchey in action during the international football friendly match between the New Zealand All Whites and South Africa at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland in May. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The New Zealand international is at the centre of a contract dispute after declaring he wants to join the Phoenix rather than return to A-League rivals the Central Coast Mariners.
It's understood the Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick sees McGlinchey as the ideal replacement for last season's departed playmaker Carlos Hernandez.
The Mariners are seeking legal advice to prevent the 27-year-old from playing for any club until the start of next year after McGlinchey started training with the Phoenix, until his contract status with Central Coast is resolved.
Merrick refused to comment any further, but says he hopes the situation is resolved as soon as possible.
McGlinchey was off-limits to the media.
