In an unlikely turn of events one of Italy's finest ever footballers Alessandro Del Piero might be set for a spell in the Thai Premier League next season. That's according to comments coming from the manager of Thai club PTT Rayong in a story that first ran in the Bangkok Post. 

 

The Italian striker is now 39 and currently in his second season at Australian club Sydney FC where he is the league's highest earner. Acting on reports that he was unhappy led the wealthy Thai club, sponsored by oil and gas giant PTT, to contact the former Juventus legend asking what it would take for him to come and play in Thailand.

 

Apparently Del Piero asked for time to consider the offer, though his current club's chief executive remained relatively confident that Del Piero would see out the rest of the season in Sydney.

 

The Thai Premier League has continued to grow in popularity since TV deals brought in big cash injections 4-5 years ago. It's seen a raft of big companies (and high profile politicians) clamoring to get involved with clubs and prepared to spend big money to do so. 

 

If the former World Cup Winner were to sign for PTT it would be yet another signal that the TPL might finally be close to playing with the big boys in Asia. Ahead of the new season, due to kick off in March, current champions Buriram have already signed former Arsenal Academy and Hull City striker Jay Simpson, while Bangkok club Muangthong United snapped up QPR frontman and former England international Jay Bothroyd.