HAMPSHIRE chairman Rod Bransgrove has spoken to Shane Warne about a dramatic Rose Bowl return next year.

The Australian legend – who celebrated his 40th birthday in September – captained the Hawks between 2004 and 2007.

He could be in line for a Twenty20 return in 2010 as Bransgrove has spoken to Warne about the possibility of joining Hampshire for the competition.

However, he said no one should get their hopes up just yet.

“Warne is the biggest name we’ve ever had at the club and, yes, we have spoken to him,” said Bransgrove.

“You can never rule out getting Shane Warne back to Hampshire, although he’s very busy and I wonder whether he’d get out of bed for the money we can offer!”

Counties will be able to include four foreign players in their Twenty20 squads from next season. Only two will be allowed to play in each game.

Shaun Udal’s Middlesex earlier this week announced the signing of Adam Gilchrist and are hoping to sign India star Sachin Tendulkar.

If Warne decides to rejoin Hampshire he would be paired with Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis.

“I’ve been talking about the potential of Twenty20 for some time and getting these superstars in is what it’s all about,” added Bransgrove.

“Hampshire have also had talks with other big-name players that are reasonably well advanced.”

Warne played the last first class game of his glittering career for Hampshire at Yorkshire in September 2007.

Since then – apart from two days in October 2007 playing in the Hong Kong Sixes – Warne has restricted himself to Twenty20 appearances.

He captained Rajasthan to the inaugural Indian Premier League title in 2008 and skippered them again in 2009.

His last T20 outing was for Rajasthan against Middlesex at Lord’s back in July of this year for the British Asian Cup.