Last month, Iniesta confirmed in a tearful press conference that he would be leaving Barcelona at the end of this season, 22 years after joining as a 12-year-old in 1996, and would also be leaving Europe.

It was widely reported across Spain that the 33-year-old would be heading to China to join Chongqing on a three-year deal, worth €81 million (A$129 million).

However, Barcelona sports website Sport is reporting that the move to the CSL has - for now at least - failed to materialise and Australia, along with Japan, are 'tempting' Iniesta.

"The lack of an agreement with Chongqing has led Iniesta to study new horizons with Australia as the preferred destination," journalist Jordi Gil writes.

Japón y Australia tientan a Iniesta https://t.co/OrgcMJMsR4 vía @sport — Juan G. Arango (@JuanG_Arango) May 7, 2018

The report states that Australia's great way of life would see his family find "tranquility".

It could be perfect timing, too, with A-League chief Greg O'Rourke last week confirming the return of a "multi-million dollar super marquee fund" in an attempt to boost flagging crowds and television numbers for next season.

Football Federation Australia has been contacted for comment over the report.

A-League clubs promised marquee war chest

Meanwhile, Japan has also been listed as a potential home for Iniesta - in particular, J-League club Vissel Kobe, who are owned by Hiroshi Mikitani, the CEO of Barcelona's major sponsors Rakuten.

However, Sport reported that Iniesta was yet to receive any proposals from Japan, even tough reports from other Spanish media claim he was already in talks.

Iniesta's former Barcelona and Spain teammate, David Villa, played a four-game stint in the A-League with Melbourne City in 2014.

While his ex-teammate and coach at Barca, Luis Enrique, lived in Byron Bay for six months after retiring in 2004.

The current Barcelona captain has won the FIFA World Cup, two European Championships, four UEFA Champions Leagues and nine La Liga titles.