Brisbane Heat coach Stuart Law says landing ex-England allrounder Andrew Flintoff would be the biggest signing in the Big Bash franchise's history - and it could happen this week.
The 36-year-old ended a five-year retirement this year to play in the domestic Twenty20 tournament in England, where he caught the eye.
Flintoff flagged an interest in testing himself in the Big Bash League (BBL) in August and it appears certain he will line up for the Heat when the tournament gets under way in December.
Law, a former teammate of Flintoff's with county side Lancashire, confirmed in an interview with an English newspaper that terms had been discussed and said the deal could be finalised this week.
One thing he made clear, however, was that Flintoff was serious about making an impact in the Australian competition.
"I am really excited by the idea," Law told the Manchester Evening News.
"We get on really well and have had plenty of good times down the years during my time with Lancashire.
"He will be the biggest signing Brisbane Heat has made.
"I have spoken to Fred and made it clear that this is not a holiday, but he told me cricket is number one for him, and that it is not about collecting cash - it's about winning trophies.
"I am sure Fred will do the right thing for this team. He is a proud man. He is not after the cash. He wants to contribute to the team.
"We know we will not be getting Freddie at his best from 2005 but, if he is anywhere close, then he will be great for us.
"The Australian fans will love him. They won't get on his back.
"He will create a following here and will love it in Brisbane."
Flintoff isn't the only high-profile ex-England Test star to land in the Big Bash this summer, with controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen signing up with the Melbourne Stars.
Brisbane have confirmed they have signed world No.1 T20 bowler, West Indian legspinner Samuel Badree, for the coming BBL.
Badree - a member of the victorious Chennai Super Kings squad at the recent Champions League T20 tournament - will form a slow bowling combination with New Zealand's Daniel Vettori at Brisbane.
"We know we will have two world-class spinners for the majority of the tournament and we believe Samuel will bring to the table with us what he has done around the world with such success," Law said.
Badree, 33, is expected to be available for the entire BBL and arrives in Brisbane ahead of their December 21 opener against Sydney Thunder at ANZ Stadium.
The Heat have signed 17 of their 18 players for the next BBL and must complete their roster by December 5.
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