ARCHIE Thompson could be lining up for Melbourne Victory for the last time on Tuesday, with his future remaining clouded.

Victory hosts Gamba Osaka in their final Asian Champions League group game with a win securing a knockout berth, but anything less leaves their destiny in the hands of Koreans Suwon Bluewings, who host Shanghai SIPG.

Thompson and coach Kevin Muscat have spoken informally about his future, but agreed to postpone decisive talks about his future until the end of their Asian campaign.

The Herald Sun understands that Victory is leaning towards not re-signing Thompson, while the veteran striker is keen to play on.

Thompson took a huge pay cut to sign a one-year extension at the end of last season, with the A-League veteran’s allowance meaning less than $50,000 of his wages are included in the salary cap.

Thompson, 37, has failed to make the same impact as last season, when he netted 11 goals in 26 games.

The veteran has scored just one goal in all competitions this season, though he missed three months with a knee injury suffered last September that at the time looked set to end his career.

Thompson has since played a role, making 21 appearances for the season.

He has started all five Champions League games and featured in 14 of Victory’s 18 games since he returned from injury, albeit only two of those were starts.

Archie Thompson’s future at the Victory is in doubt. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The former Socceroo trained strongly at Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday and vying with Jai Ingham for the left-wing role for the Gamba clash at AAMI Park. If Victory advances they play a Round of 16 clash at home in May, which would be the Thompson swan song if he doesn’t play on.

Thompson is understood to be torn, as he feels there’s unfinished business after a tough year that included surgery on his knee.

Victory has also offered Thompson an ambassadorial role once his playing career is over, though a future deal may be in doubt if he moves to a rival A-League club next season.

Another option would be for him to continue playing in the NPL, where he would be hot property.

Current coach Kevin Muscat kisses Archie Thompson after winning the 2007 Grand Final. Source: Getty Images

The elimination final loss to Brisbane Roar saw Victory fans swarm social media to send well wishes to Thompson, who was quick to quell retirement talk on Twitter.

“Thanks for all the tweets it’s very humbling but this lights (SIC) not been put out yet,’’ Thompson wrote.

He followed up after the Shanghai SIPG loss last week with the following Instagram post: “Not exactly the result we wanted the other night but we are on the verge of creating history at this club and we hope to get as many people there to be part of it.’’

There are echoes of last season when Thompson’s future was not resolved until after the grand final, amid interest from Wellington Phoenix.