Roar eye Zawada as Nix close in on trophy
Wellington Phoenix marksman Oskar Zawada is a target for fellow A-League side Brisbane Roar.
Zawada is one of two attackers Brisbane want to bring to the club when their contracts expire at the end of this season.
The Roar are also pursuing Adelaide United’s Hiroshi Ibusuki as they plan for the departure of teenage sensation Thomas Waddingham, who is reportedly wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Udinese.
Roar head of football Zac Anderson has been in contact with the agents of Zawada and Ibusuki.
Polish ace Zawada, 28, has netted 20 goals across almost two A-League campaigns, with five coming from just 11 appearances this season when he’s been plagued by a hamstring problem.
“Still everything is open — I’ve signed nowhere,” Zawada said.
The future of 12-goal striker Kosta Barbarouses is also unknown as talks continue with his hometown club Wellington.
“Nothing has been decided yet,” said Barbarouses, who’s in his third spell with the Phoenix.
“Staying would be a great option but obviously there are a few discussions going on.
“As a footballer you can’t really rule anything out and I am just going to keep going and see where it takes me. If it is still here beyond this year then it’s great and if not, let’s leave a lasting legacy with what we did this season and see how far we can go.”
The Phoenix are on the cusp of winning their first trophy going into the final game of the regular A-League season tonight.
If they beat Macarthur, and Central Coast lose to Newcastle, then the Premier’s Plate goes into the Wellington trophy cabinet.
Central Coast have a game in hand against Adelaide to be played on Wednesday, which could turn into the Premier’s Plate decider if things don’t go the way of the Phoenix.
“In football you can never predict anything,” said Barbarouses. “We need to do our part first.”
Everything is open — I’ve signed nowhere.
Oskar Zawada