Brazilian playmaker Fred has rejected claims he was close to signing with Wellington Phoenix. Fred is still contracted to American powerhouse DC United for another season but the main reason he will remain is to gain his green card visa for the United States.

Contrary to reports that Fred was close to signing with Wellington, Fred's representatives have alerted tribalfootball.com that Fred had not agreed to come to play again for the team he had a short stint with in 2008.

Fred made a huge impact in Australia with the Melbourne Victory in their inaugural Championship team of 2006/07.

It is believed that North Queensland Fury had also been in negotiations with Fred's representatives in recent months.