The two will ensure a quality field and Palmer is still in discussions with former winner John Isner (ranked 24) as well as regular and world No 9 Nicolas Almagro. Almagro's efforts in Auckland have been questionable over the years, and he received a wildcard this year, but he redeemed himself by making the last four in 2011.
It is getting more difficult to attract top players because most head straight to Melbourne the week before the Australian Open to set up camp and practice on the courts used for the first grand slam tournament of the year.
Ferrer is an exception and has won the Heineken Open twice. He followed up his triumph this year, when he comfortably beat David Nalbandian 6-3 6-2 and went on to make the semifinals of the Australian Open.
He's found it difficult to break into the stratosphere of men's tennis occupied by Novak Djokovic, Nadal, Murray and Federer but is the best of the rest at No 5 in the world. He's not dipped outside the top 20 since 2005 and has amassed more than US$12 in career earnings.
He made a promise to return to Auckland after winning this year and Palmer is delighted he's kept that promise.
"We get a lot of comments about same old, same old around Ferrer but it's pretty nit-picky when it's No 5 in the world in a truly global sport,'' Palmer said. "We are delighted he's coming back. He's had another good year and is once again playing in the end-of-year-championships in London. He's a class player and a lovely guy as well.''
There will be interest around Verdasco because he will bring something different. Palmer has tried for a number of years to lure him to Auckland and has finally succeeded.
"I don't know what the clincher was this time,'' Palmer said. "Maybe it's time to change his pattern and he's decided to do something different leading into the Australian Open. We came to an agreement financially that suited him and us. We were in a bidding war with other events but we came out on top, which was pleasing.''
Verdasco can be a temperamental player and as a child suffered from ADHD. He has a big forehand - tennis commentator Brad Gilbert has often referred to it as his 'fearhand' - and, like Nadal, plays with plenty of topspin.
The full field will be announced on November 30 with the cutoff likely to be about 70 in the world. One of the three wildcards is likely to go to the New Zealand No 1, who is currently Russian-born Artem Sitak at 405 (Michael Venus is next best at 428) but Palmer doesn't have a Venus Williams-type figure up his sleeve. Palmer, who also doubles as ASB Classic tournament director, last week announced Williams would play in Auckland in January.
