Mario Balotelli is 'in talks with Spanish side Intercity' about a potential move after the Italian ended his contract with Turkish team Adana Demirspor over the summer.
The striker had a memorable spell in the Premier League, scoring 30 goals in 80 matches for Manchester City before disappointing at Liverpool with just four strikes in 28.
He was at the peak of his powers in 2012 when he helped the Etihad side to a first Premier League title in the dying seconds of the season before starring in his national team's run to a Euros final.
Known as much for his off-the-field antics as his mercurial playing style, Balotelli's home was once set alight after fireworks were set off, while on another occasion he was spotted smoking in a train toilet.
Now the maverick seems to making a return to football after third-tier side Intercity made him an offer in a bid to strengthen their attacking options, ASreports.
The striker had a memorable spell in the Premier League , scoring 30 goals in 80 matches for Manchester City
The talks between the two parties are believed to be going well but 'not closed'.
Either way, Balotelli would be forced to wait until January for his first appearance for the Alicante outfit, with the team having registered all their players, but may still head to the south of Spain to get fit beforehand.
Intercity are currently languishing towards the bottom of their division after winning just six points from their first six matches.
The club reportedly hope that the potential acquisition of Balotelli might improve their share price.
Earlier this month, the striker was left embarrassed after Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters turned down the chance to sign him.
As reported by The Times Of India, Kerala Blasters opted against signing Balotelli due to his status and disciplinary record. The Italian was not considered a realistic target for Kerala Blasters.
Balotelli may be showing his age on the football pitch but his appetite for the controversial has certainly not abated.
In 2023 Balotelli avoided serious injury after a major car crash in Brescia.
The then 33-year-old reportedly lost control of his £100,000 Audi Q8 car crashed into a wall, with the impact of the collision forcing the air bags to go off.
Balotelli was attended to by paramedics after climbing out of his car and lying on the ground.