The Kiwi ranks at Premier League club Blackburn Rovers will be bolstered as teenager Tim Payne joins All Whites' captain Ryan Nelsen.
The Waitakere United 18-year-old reportedly impressed the club’s manager Steve Keane in a trial late last year.
Whether the deal is done or to be done is another story. Lancashire media are reporting that Payne has already agreed to an initial contract for two-and-a-half years at Ewood Park but a Rovers spokesperson said the process to sign Payne is still ongoing.
The Junior All White played striker in last year's Under-17 World Cup, but has been used as a wide midfielder during trial games for Blackburn and it is understood that he is currently in the UK.
Blackburn Rovers is usually captained by Nelsen, and it is also understood that Nelsen was instrumental in getting Payne to the club.
"He has done really well and it has all been on Tim's back," Nelsen was reported as saying.
"Sure, I have got him the opportunity there but they are not giving him a contract because of me. He had to play well, plain and simple, and they have watched him a lot."
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