Everton have offered former academy star Jose Baxter a 12-month contract which would begin when the player's drugs ban comes to an end in June.
The 24-year-old from Bootle began his career with the Toffees and could now return to play with David Unsworth's high-flying Under 23s side next season.
Depending on his progress with Everton's youngsters, Baxter could be handed a shock move up to Ronald Koeman's first-team squad.
Baxter was playing for Sheffield United in League One when he tested positive for traces of cocaine following a night out in February - he was banned by the FA in August.