Former Everton academy graduate Jose Baxter is set for a surprise return to Goodison Park after being offered a 12-month contract when his drugs ban ends in the summer.
The 24-year-ol midfielder is currently serving a 12-month suspension after traces of cocaine were found in a routine test following a night out in February last year - the second test he had failed.
Baxter was at Sheffield United at the time and was subsequently released in May before being handed the sanction in August.
But he has been handed a lifeline at Everton, where he made 15 appearances for the first team, with a deal waiting for him when he has served his ban.