Wellington Phoenix are keen on luring DC United playmaker Fred back to the club. The 30-year old Brazilian midfielder has a brief guest stint with the Phoenix last season but had his time cut short due to the sudden death of his father.

Fred, a former A-League championship winner with the Melbourne Victory, is currently plying his trade with MLS outfit DC United who have the option of securing him for another season.

But reports suggest Fred is keen to return down under and the Phoenix are prepared to talk to him in regards to the marquee player position.

"We'd definitely love to have a chat and see what he wants to do next season," Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said.

"He'd be the only player, at this stage, we'd be looking to talk to. I'll have a chat to his agent over the next few days and see what they want to do.

"He's the person we'd consider in terms of a marquee player, but I don't think we'd go for a guest.

"If we could, as soon as possible, but we'll know a little bit more once I've had a chat to his agent and pushed things along.

"Within the next two weeks, we'd definitely want an answer - yes or no. I think he'd be fantastic just in behind the front two, he adds a bit of X-factor, which we need."