HAMPSHIRE chairman Rod Bransgrove has spoken to Shane Warne about a Rose Bowl return next year.

Australian spinner Warne captained the Hawks between 2004 and 2007 and could be in line for a Twenty20 return in 2010.

Bransgrove admitted he has spoken to Warne about the possibility of joining Hampshire for the competition.

However, he said no one should get their hopes up just yet.

“Warne is the biggest name we’ve ever had at the club and, yes, we have spoken to him,” said Bransgrove.

“You can never rule out getting Shane Warne back to Hampshire, although he’s very busy and I wonder whether he’d get out of bed for the money we can offer!”

County clubs will be able to include four foreign players in their Twenty20 squads from next season.

However, only two will be allowed to play in each game.

Middlesex earlier this week announced the signing of former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and are hoping to sign star Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

If Warne decides to rejoin Hampshire he would be paired with Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis.

“I’ve been talking about the potential of Twenty20 for some time and getting these superstars in is what it’s all about,” added Bransgrove.

“Hampshire have also had talks with other big-name players that are reasonably well advanced.”