Big Bash Sydney rivals the Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers remain ready to pounce should South African run machine AB de Villiers come on the market for the 2016-17 season.

The Thunder have reportedly already entered into discussions with the Proteas star as he mulls over his future.

Despite only taking over as South African Test captain from Hashim Amla last week, he is rumoured to be contemplating stepping down from the longer form of the game to spend more time with his family.

Such a move would allow him to chase a big payday as a Twenty20 gun for hire and the noted big-hitter, who holds the record for the fastest ODI 50, century and 150, would attract strong interest from franchises around the world.

The Thunder have a strong South African connection through coach Paddy Upton and legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis and captain Mike Hussey welcomed any plans to bring the star batsman to the club.

"We'd love to have him, every team in the competition would love to have him ... All the other clubs would be having a word with him as well," Hussey said.

"We've got a bit of a South African connection with our coach Paddy Upton and Jacques Kallis has been here, so hopefully we can have the inside running and they can let AB know what a good place the Thunder is to play."

Sydney Sixers allrounder Johan Botha admitted that he had already made contact with his former team-mate, who he described as "one of the best in the world", in an attempt to lure him to the club for a stint.

"He's just focussed on the next two Tests and he'll take it from there," Botha said.

"He wants to spend more time with his family so whatever way he's going to do that is up to him and his management.

"I sent him a text before the Test saying `good luck with being captain' and that, but I said `If you're free next December, we'd love to have you'."

AAP