The Brazilian has scored 19 goals for Werder Bremen this season but is frustrated at not having been called up to the Brazilian national squad.

Ailton, who in December even evoked the possibility of trying to play for 2006 World Cup hosts Germany, said he will make an announcement next week.

"I'll look at the offer and make a decision next week," the 30-year-old told popular German daily Bild.

According to Bild the Qatar football authorities are ready to pay Ailton one million euros (1.2 million dollars) for the World Cup qualifiers then an extra 400,000 euros a year if he decides to stay on.

His Brazilian compatriot Dede, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, has also been approached and is also considering the offer.

"There's been an approach from Qatar," the 25-year-old defender, whose brother Leandro is also interesting Qatar, told Thursday's edition of Die Welt.

"I've been in contact with them (Qatar) for the past month. They want me to play for their national team."

Despite his portly stature Ailton has been a thorn in the side of Bundesliga defences all season.

He will leave Bremen at the end of the season for Schalke 04, however Wednesday's news has not been welcomed at all by Schalke manager Rudi Assauer.

"It doesn't please us one bit. Ailton hasn't even talked to us about it," said Assauer.

"It is in our interests that the Qatar deal doesn't go through."

Ailton hit back: "It's got nothing to do with Mr Assauer, it's an issue for me and my family."

Ailton has not yet played for Brazil meaning he could, if the authorities allow, play for another national team.

Last year, Kenyan-born steeplechaser Stephen Cherono and 5,000 metres runner Albert Chepkirui controversially changed nationality to compete for the Gulf state.

Cherono, under his new name of Saif Saeed Shaheen, won the gold medal for Qatar in the 3,000m steeplechase at the World Championships in Paris in August.