Del Piero deal not sealed yet

Sydney FC, Scottish champion Celtic, Southampton, Braga of Portugal and Swiss side FC Sion are among the clubs chasing Del Piero's signature.

The A-League side announced on its website on Friday that the 37-year-old Del Piero, whose 19-season spell with Juve ended last season, had 'agreed to finalise details on a contract with the Sky Blues'.

However Stefano Del Piero said the announcement was premature.

"We are still seriously analysing Sydney's offer, but we haven't decided anything yet," he told the ANSA news agency.

"And it's too early to say we will have decided by Monday."

Sydney has made great efforts to lure Del Piero Down Under, highlighting the sun, sea and barbecue lifestyle Australia is known for the world over.

But the lure of staying in Europe, and the possibility of playing UEFA Champions League football, could prompt Del Piero to stay on the continent.

Celtic doesn't enjoy the Australian lifestyle but made it into the group stages of the Champions League and has been drawn in Group G with Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow.

Braga is also in the Champions League, having been drawn in Group H with Manchester United, Galatasaray and CFR Cluj of Romania.

FC Sion is not involved in European football's premier club competition.

Southampton is languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.

Sydney, meanwhile, will be hoping Del Piero does sign, given its bold statements earlier on Friday when chairman Scott Barlow said: "This is huge for Sydney FC, huge for the A-League and huge for Australian football.

"We feel honoured that Alessandro has decided to play for Sydney FC and we share his excitement that a move to Sydney FC will create a lasting legacy for football in this country."