Victory targets talented Kiwi teen Rojas
The Age
Friday February 25, 2011
MELBOURNE Victory has emerged as the strongest suitor for exciting New Zealand winger Marco Rojas as the Kiwi of Chilean extraction wrestles with a three-way battle over which club to play for next A-League season.Rojas, who turned 19 in November, is weighing up his options but seems sure to quit Wellington Phoenix for a move to Australia to further his development.Victory is understood to be battling with Adelaide United to secure the services of the exciting youngster who made a huge impression in the second half of the A-League season.Melbourne is believed to be negotiating with the player's advisors and would love to be in a position to announce a deal, if not today then within days.The Phoenix is making a major play to keep him at home, with several senior players (headed by striker Paul Ifill) urging him that time is on his side and he can continue his progress better in an environment that he knows well under a coach (Ricki Herbert) who also selects the NZ national team.Rojas, a skilful attacking player who can operate centrally or in wide areas, fits the Victory template well. While he would be far from a certain starter, the loss of Mate Dugandzic and expected departure of Robbie Kruse would give him opportunities to impress. Adelaide will lose striker Matthew Leckie to German Bundesliga club Borussia Moenchengladbach, so Rojas would be seen as a replacement for him in South Australia.Wellington will be loathe to lose another talented youngster.Kosta Barbarouses left the Kiwi club at the end of last season.
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