Mandi trials with Phoenix

The Wellington Phoenix have brought in Spanish defensive midfielder Mandi on trial.

The 29-year-old, whose full name is Armando Sosa Pena, has played more than 200 games across the second and third divisions of Spanish football.

He spent time in Real Madrid’s reserve team between 2010 and 2012. In the 2011-12 season he played 30 games alongside the likes of current Real Madrid players Lucas Vazquez and Dani Carvajal, Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata and Russian World Cup star Denis Cheryshev.

His most recent club was second division team Almeria, where he played 23 games before suffering a tear in his Achilles tendon in a match against Osasuna in February.

In a tweet from a Spanish media outlet in early August, Mandi was said to have made a full recovery from the injury.

Still, the Phoenix appear to have taken a cautious approach with him, bringing him in on trial to see for themselves if he has recovered before starting any contract talks.

Mandi is expected to take part in their preseason match against NSW NPL team Sydney Olympic on Tuesday and will be in line to play A-league side Sydney FC later in the week if all goes well.

The Phoenix are in the market for another holding midfielder to play alongside Michal Kopczynski. The only other player in the squad who can play there is Alex Rufer.

They missed out on former Chelsea player Michael Essien a few weeks ago.

They also need a striker and a right back, with Australian Jacob Tratt in the running the fill the latter spot.