Wellington Phoenix are believed to have offered exciting young Auckland City midfielder Matthew Ridenton a three-year deal.
Wellington Phoenix are believed to have offered exciting young Auckland City midfielder Matthew Ridenton a three-year deal.
Ridenton, 17, is currently in the UAE preparing for the FIFA World Under-17 Championships, and is set to join the Phoenix on his return from international duty provided he secures his release from Auckland City, who are believed to want a token transfer fee.
Ridenton has already spent some time training with the Phoenix, and will join a new generation of talented young Kiwis being groomed by coach Ernie Merrick. Like another recent Phoenix signing, Alex Rufer, Ridenton is the son of a former All White. His father, Michael, played 14 times for New Zealand, but said earlier this year: ''He's a far better player than I ever was, so I don't think there's too much pressure on his shoulders.''