The 20-year-old All Whites stopper - an ever present as Phoenix were just eclipsed by Central Coast for last season’s Premiers Plate - is set join the Oregon-based side coached by ex-Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville.

Sitting sixth on the Western Conference ladder with 30 points from 22 games, Portland are looking to bolster a back line which has already leaked 38 goals this campaign, worse only than basement battlers Sporting KC and San Jose.

FTBL understands Phoenix will pick up a nominal sum for the centre-back whose current contract run until mid-2025.

Surman, who rose through Wellington’s youth ranks, was last in action for his country in their 3-0 OFC Nations Cup victory over Vanuatu at the end of June..