Melbourne, Feb 28 : Virgin Airlines boss Richard Branson is all set to strike a deal with Ian Thorpe to rope her into an ambassadorship role for his V Australia airline, according to reports.

Earlier, Branson was allegedly pitching for Miranda Kerr, but now he is close to having the Olympic great onboard.

The news comes just two months after Thorpe's sponsorship contract with rival Qantas expired.

Rumours were rife when the billionaire's new carrier was launched on February 26 that Branson and Thorpe''s friendship might just culminate into a professional relationship.

Thorpe even hosted a charity relay for Branson''s fitness business Virgin Active at his Aquatic Centre on February 24.

The duo also went to the Northern Territory on February 25 to have a "confidential" meeting with the land council in Alice Springs, where the former swim champ runs a youth charity.

Meanwhile, Qantas confirmed that their long-running sponsorship ties with Thorpe were over.

Thorpe's representatives, however, played down rumours of a new deal.

"Nothing has been discussed with V," the Daily Telegraph quoted a spokesman for Thorpe as saying. (ANI)