Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg is expected to visit Hartlepool's Joel Porter this weekend to discuss a possible move back home for the striker. Is it believed that Wellington Phoenix were also keen on Porter but have withdrawn their interest, conceding defeat to Bleiberg.

Porter has been in fantastic form for the League One club this season, netting 12 goals from 24 starts in all competitions.

Wellington Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata confirmed their interest in the 29-year old but has said they are no longer in the running to acquire his services.

"We were very keen to bring Joel here and I know he was keen to come as well," Pignata told 442.

"In the end Hartlepool decided they wanted to keep him for a further year and it was obviously disappointing for us.

"I would have thought he is now close to agreeing something with the Gold Coast.

"I think a Shane Smeltz-Joel Porter attack would have been an exciting partnership."

It now seems almost certain that the same partnership will come to fruition for the Gold Coast after Smeltz signed with the club late last month.