Soccer: Daniel to leave Phoenix?

Daniel. Photo / Getty Images

Brazilian winger Daniel last month became one of three Wellington Phoenix players to make 100 appearances, but he may not make it far past that mark.

With his three-year contract due to run out in the off-season and a reduction in wages on the cards, Daniel today flew to Singapore to "look at his options'' for next season and beyond.

A club spokesperson confirmed Daniel had been permitted to head to Southeast Asia and hold talks with an unknown Singaporean club. He will return to New Zealand on Wednesday to link up with the Phoenix before their visit to Australia to take on A-League leaders Central Coast on Saturday.

"[Coach] Ricki [Herbert] has given him permission to go. We have been talking about another contract with him but I think he wants to look at his options,'' the spokesperson said. "He could very well be with us next season, but he's at the end of his contract and he has options. So, while we have spoken to him, he wants to explore this other one.''

A foundation player for the Phoenix, Daniel's appearances have been sporadic in recent seasons, meaning a pay cut would likely be on the cards if he were to stay in Wellington. Speculation had the Brazilian earning as much at $250,000 a year for his current deal, but former chief executive Tony Pignata rejected that figure.

"From my time there (2007-10) he wasn't earning that salary,'' Pignata said. "When contracts are up and you have a salary cap, the coach will sit down and work out who he requires, and then the board or the CEO will make the determination on what they can afford. They pay the value of what they see going forward.''

Whatever the numbers, the Phoenix would be reluctant to tie up too much of their $2 million salary cap on a 32-year-old who has started just eight of 21 A-League matches in the current campaign. With long-term absentee Lucas Pantelis set to return from injury to boost the attacking midfield stocks next season, the club are unlikely to break the bank to retain Daniel's services.

"Daniel's been at the club for five years, his next contract will be determined by the club and how they want to use him,'' Pignata said. "The club decides what he's worth then that's the offer. Unfortunately, with the salary cap, you can't keep everyone happy.''

Daniel seemed happy to remain in Wellington when he spoke before making his 100th appearance, against Newcastle in January.

"I don't know what the future holds for me. If it is my choice, I would like to finish my career at the Phoenix and play for the All Whites.''

Daniel's desire to represent his adopted country is the other wrinkle in negotiations. This year, he will complete the five years' residency required to become eligible for New Zealand, but a move to Singapore could scupper such plans.

Even if he is surplus to requirements next season, the Phoenix will be requiring Daniel's services for their coming match, at least. Captain Andrew Durante and midfielder Tim Brown both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season in yesterday's loss to Brisbane, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.

Durante's defensive partner Ben Sigmund had to be substituted during the defeat, though he should be fit to take on the Mariners in Gosford. But with two of the most influential members of Herbert's squad missing, it will be all hands on deck as the Phoenix seek to upset the presumptive minor premiers.