Bolton Wanderers are chasing Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes.
Scholes is ready to leave Manchester United in search of one last campaign after spending much of this term on the sidelines.
The midfield maestro has grown sick of being a bit-part player at Old Trafford this season and feels it is affecting his form.
Now neighbours Bolton want him to be the central figure in their side by making him the highest-paid player at the club.
Scholes, 34, signed a one-year extension to his contract this season.
But it is unlikely United would demand any sort of transfer fee if the player asked to leave.
The Trotters would be prepared to match his wages of around £70,000 a week. It is understood Scholes would not drive a hard bargain as he is just looking to play one last season of regular football.
Stoke are also interested in making Scholes a player-coach.
But Scholes has made only the initial steps into getting his coaching badges.
Also he would not fancy the three-hour round trip to Stoke from his home in Saddleworth every day.
Bolton's training ground is less than half an hour from his house.
