Plans to host an overseas 'international' round of matches in five cities across the world from 2011 were originally unveiled in February, but were scrapped after receiving a widespread hostile reception.

However, earlier this week, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore revealed the proposals are "still there, being discussed and considered with the clubs" and bin Hammam - also a member of the FIFA Executive Committee - on Thursday met with officials from English football's elite competition as on-going discussions continue over a way forward.

The AFC are currently in the process of revamping some 22 leagues across the confederation, with 10 - Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, India, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar - targeted to be made more commercially viable and with higher attendances by 2012, while the AFC Champions League competition is to be expanded to 32 clubs from next year.

Bin Hammam hopes the growing influence of English top-flight football in the region can have a lasting, positive effect - provided it is channelled in the right way.

He said: "There is too much foreign football on our continent, but I am a big fan of the Premier League and I was really impressed with the way they are developing their thoughts about developing the game in Asia.

"In the past there were no ideas, but now they know people want something left behind and they are up to the mark.

"I am depending more on the understanding of the Premier League chairman. I want them to see that we are legitimate partners.

"Whatever plans the Premier League has for its future the AFC is ready to advise and support."

Bin Hammam, though, feels there are still many hurdles to overcome before the dream of a competitive Premier League game being played within the confederation moves closer to reality.

"The moment some leagues are going to be played outside their territories, it is shocking news. You just want to digest it," he said.

"To see the English league played in China or wherever is strange.

"A lot of people in the confederation like the idea because they haven't thought about it from the same angle as me.

"I am not saying I have changed my mind totally, but they are exploring ideas. They haven't decided anything, they were just discussing things.

"There was a time when they came to us to ask if we would welcome them and we talked the idea out."

Bin Hammam - who in 2007 had ordered Manchester United to cancel their summer tour because it clashed with the Asian Cup finals and he did not want anything to detract from the regional competition - added: "I want all the technical assistance they can provide.

"We want them to convey their experiences to us. We want them to share with us their secret of success, to tell us what are the keys that can help our football, by showing us administration, technical level and supporting our coaches.

"There can be financial assistance - but we must teach the people how to fish and survive for life and not just give them the fish."