Sources from Greece and Australia confirm that A-League club Melbourne Victory, that has a strong backing by the Greek population of the Australian city, has made a significant offer to Greece captain Giorgos Karagounis to sign him now that he is a free agent.

According to a report in the Greek press, Victory manager Angelos Postecoglou, formerly of Panachaiki, approached the midfielder who had a great season at Fulham in the Premier League and offered him a one-year deal with the Melbourne team.

The offer is reported to be worth 800,000 euros that could rise to 1 million euros when bonuses are included.

“We want you to become our own Alex Del Piero,” Postecoglou reportedly told Karagounis, referring to the Italy legend who raised the profile of Sydney FC when he joined the Aussie side last year.

Karagounis is said to be seriously considering the bid, although other sources say he would find it difficult to move away from his family.

Speaking after Greece’s victory at Lithuania on Friday Karagounis refused to say where he would ply his trade next season, but made it rather clear he would only be returning to Greece for holidays – despite the offer that Panathinaikos has tabled, said to be worth about a third of that by Victory.