The popular forward's current deal runs out at the end of the forthcoming A-League season and earlier this month he challenged the club to get the ball rolling on a new deal.

Victory CEO Geoff Miles has revealed to au.fourfourtwo.com that the process is now underway.

He said: "I can confirm that we have commenced (contract) discussions with Archie's agent.

"Archie is a fantastic player and we see him as part of our plans for the future. We are very confident we can reach an agreement."

Thompson is preparing for the Beijing Olympics as one of Graham Arnold's three over-age players and scored in a recent warm-up match against Japan.

Before leaving Australia he had made it clear that getting his club future resolved as quickly as possible was important.

Earlier this month he toldau.fourfourtwo.com: "Obviously it's my last year... I know what I can do.

"Everyone knows what I can do, the club knows what I can do, so I'll just go out there and do what I do.

"It's my last year and doors are going to open up. It's time for them (Victory) to get on their bikes pretty quick (regarding contract talks).

"Any door's good as long as the door's got a big dollar sign written on it... the larger the dollar sign the more attractive the door," he said with a trademark laugh.

"But there's a lot happening. It's my last year and I hope to do well with Melbourne Victory. I feel like it's time for something special to happen [at the club]."