Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan is making an ambitious bid to bring Steve McManaman back to the Premiership, according to British newspaper reports.
The Real Madrid midfielder has one year left on his current contract at the Spanish giants but is reportedly tiring at his lack of regular first-team football.
Keegan believes the opportunity for the former Liverpool star to team up with best friend Robbie Fowler could seal the move.
The only major stumbling block is believed to be McManaman's salary. The 31-year-old is reported to be on £65,000 sterling a week in Spain.
But Real are keen to cut their vast wage bill and are said to be willing to part with the player on a free transfer.
McManaman has played under Keegan before, when the ex-Newcastle manager was in charge of the England national side. Keegan is hopeful the player's arrival will re-ignite Robbie Fowler's goalscoring talent next season.