Seibu Lions infielder Kazuo Matsui, who became eligible for free agency this season and has drawn the interest of several major league clubs, has already been asked to return to the Pacific League club next season, general manager Kenji Ono said Monday.

Ono had earlier indicated that he would respect Matsui's rights as a free agent and had no plans to try to prevent the infielder from exploring options with other teams, including a possible jump to the major leagues. He has apparently changed his position.

"I met with him (Matsui) recently and told him I'd like him to stay with the club," Ono said.