WIMBORNE Town fans' favourite James Stokoe says he is on the verge of a dramatic return to his former club.

The free agent, 27, confirmed he had held talks with the Magpies two years after leaving Cowgrove Road for current club Bashley.

Wimborne had slapped a five-figure price tag on the striker's head in February 2011 but lost out when the burly front-runner rejected a new deal and opted to join Bash on a two-year deal.

But Stokoe, who scored 68 goals in 191 appearances in four fruitful seasons at Cuthbury, admitted he was keen to return to his old stomping ground after ending his stint with the New Forset outfit.

Stokoe told the Daily Echo: “My contract is up and I have been speaking to Wimborne. I haven't been enjoying my football for the past six months or so and I am hoping a new challenge will help me rediscover my love for the game.

“If I am going to step down from the Southern Premier then I would like to help Wimborne gain promotion. It is no secret that I have a passion for the club and, hopefully, I'll enjoy playing there again.

“I have not put pen to paper or shaken hands on a deal yet but it is close to happening. We're trying to sort something out at the moment and I don't think it is far off.”

Wimborne boss Steve Cuss declined to comment on individual deals but said: “We're talking to a number of players who we hope will put pen to paper over the next week or so.”