The Wellington Phoenix are in talks with former Western Sydney Wanderers attacker Kwabena Appiah.

The 22-year-old flier was born in Auckland and is eligible to play for the All Whites, holding both New Zealand and Australian passports.

Appiah trained with the Phoenix during a trial stint last week and the club is now in discussions with his agent regarding a possible deal.

Appiah made 25 appearances for the Wanderers but has struggled for game-time in 2014-15 and was released last month.

While still unproven at A-League level, Appiah has plenty of pace and may fit better into the game-plan of Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick.

Merrick, meanwhile, is in the early stages of negotiating an extension to his Phoenix deal, which expires at the end of this season.

It is understood that Merrick has received overseas interest in his services but the coach reiterated yesterday that he was eager to stay at the Phoenix.

"I've only just started having those discussions but I am enjoying Wellington and want to stay," Merrick said.

"I think, and hope, the board feels the same way."

Phoenix general manager David Dome said Merrick had made a major impact at the club since his arrival in 2013.

"Ernie has clearly been a successful coach and we'd love to keep him in Wellington beyond this year," Dome said.

"But those conversations and negotiations are between Ernie, the chairman [Rob Morrison] and the board."

In terms of coaching, the Phoenix have been the A-League's most stable club since their inception in 2007.

Ricki Herbert ran the show between 2007-13, with his assistant Chris Greenacre filling in before Merrick's arrival.