Andrew Durante will return for the Wellington Phoenix next season, as will young starlet Liberato Cacace.

Club captain Durante has had his contract extended for the 2018-19 A League season, while young defender Cacace has been given a two-year deal.

Durante will also be moving into an off field role with the Phoenix, assisting the club in commercial, marketing and community initiatives.

"[Durante] brings leadership on and off field and is hugely respected within the playing group", Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome said in a statement.

READ MORE:

* Founding coach hopes for clarity

* Retired, returned, retired again

* Heat on Hudson at Rapids



"Besides giving us some real solidity to build around, Dura is also taking up a part management role off the field to assist the team in commercial, marketing and community initiatives.



"Dura is currently in the United States on some professional development funded by the club, and we are looking forward to him returning with some [lessons] to help us build into next season."

Cacace, 17, made his debut for the Phoenix last season and did enough to earn a two-year professional deal with the club.

PHILLIP ROLLO/STUFF Wellington Phoenix defender Liberato Cacace, 17.

He comes from the Wellington Phoenix academy, with Dome calling him a "shining light in our youth set up in recent years".

Dome said the two signings show the Phoenix are focused on next season, despite constant speculation about a potential sale or merger of the club with Australian entities.

"There has been immense speculation around the club in recent weeks," Dome said in the statement.



"While this is not helpful, we as a club cannot control media speculation, but we can remain committed to working hard to pull together a competitive playing squad for next season."

The Phoenix are yet to announce a new coach, after Darije Kalezic left the club towards the end of the 2017-18 season.

Dome said they are "working very hard to finalise the appointment of our new head coach".