Another A-League team for Sydney

SOUTH-WEST Sydney could have an A-League presence next season, with Wellington Phoenix on the verge of selling a large stake to a Sydney consortium.

A memorandum of understanding has been agreed between the two parties, with a view to selling a 50 per cent stake immediately. The hybrid model would effectively become a third Sydney club, making for two more box-of- fice derbies with Western Sydney and Sydney FC.

South-West Sydney, which would become the Wanderers’ newest rival, would host a large portion of home games and be the HQ for the club’s new training base under the proposal, along with a colour change to black and white, synonymous with the southwest region.

Phoenix would retain its current home strip for the games that remain in New Zealand under a hybrid model.

South-West Sydney bid director Gino Marra refused to comment but it is believed that Marra travelled to New Zealand last week to negotiate the terms of the “merger” with Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison. It’s understood the pair met with FFA chiefs yesterday in a bid to rubberstamp the sale, although Wellnix — the consortium that owns Phoenix — and Marry’s group are confident that legally the governing body cannot reject the deal.

Fox Sports is among the key stakeholders believed to be supportive of the sale.

FFA is simultaneously running a formal expansion process, with expressions of interest due on May 24.

Southern Expansion (a joint bid by Sutherland, St George and Illawarra) and the Wollongong Wolves are among the bidders from NSW. Tasmania also has a bid in the mix.

Meanwhile Perth Glory has landed a huge coup by signing Tony Popovic as its new coach, replacing Kenny Lowe.