SHANE Warne is planning to sit down with Hampshire officials this weekend to discuss the prospects of him returning to the south coast next summer.

The world's greatest leg spinner rolls into town tomorrow with the all-conquering Australians with two priorities.

One is to knock his old pal and buddy Robin Smith over - and the other will be to sit down with Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove to discuss the prospect of returning to play for the county.

Warne was a huge success for Hampshire last season, even in what was a poor season for the team.

But with Hampshire looking good for promotion back to the top flight of both the Cricinfo County Championship and the Norwich Union National League, wheels could be put into motion this weekend to have Warne back to spearhead Hamsphire's attack.

In an exclusive interview with Echosport, Warne said: "I would like to come back to Hampshire but I'm not sure whether I will be. It depends on a lot of things. Hampshire might not even want me for a start. But I will find time this weekend to sit down with Rod Bransgrove and we'll have a chat."

Hampshire would love to have Warne back, as much for what he did off the pitch last season as what he did on it.

Warne's professionalism rubbed off on his Hampshire teammates last season and it's no coincidence that the club are riding high in both Championship and National League.

"I keep in contact with the guys and Robin Smith paid me a nice complement. He said it wasn't just the fact that I finished the highest wicket-taker in Division One last season and scored 500 runs, it was what the lads learned off me. He said it was what they learned from how I approach the game off the pitch.

"It was a nice thing to say - but it still won't stop me from trying to knock him over this weekend.

"That's one of my biggest priorities this weekend," said Warne, who wants to play in front of the fans who adored him last season.

Warne thoroughly enjoyed his first season in English domestic cricket last term and he's kept close links with Hampshire.

This weekend's visit with the Aussie team won't be his first return trip.

"I popped down to The Rose Bowl a few weeks back while I was in Worcester and saw the ground," said Warne.

"It looks fantastic and Hampshire really have something to be proud of.

"I saw the plans and the groundwork when it was being built, but now that it's up it looks even better."

"Everyone at Hampshire was fantastic last season. My wife and family really enjoyed their time over here, and that's just as important to me. We made loads of new friends."