Sky Sports understands former Bolton defender Jlloyd Samuel has been offered a one-year deal by Iranian club Esteghlal after impressing on loan.
The 31-year-old signed for the club in a surprise switch in January on a deal that ran until the end of season.
Samuel had been without a club following his release by the Trotters at the conclusion of the 2010/11 campaign, and found his chances of finding a new club hampered by niggling injuries.
However, the former Aston Villa full-back excelled in the Middle East where he was deployed in midfield by Esteghlal, earning him the nickname "Vieira" from his team-mates.
His commanding displays helped them claim the Persian Gulf Cup and a third place finish in the league.
While Samuel says returning to Iran is a possibility, the defender admits the prospect of a new challenge in England is appealing.
He told Sky Sports: "It's hard at times because when you come home from football and you've got your kids and your wife and everything there, and they're running around, it helps out, whether things are going good or bad.
"For myself, I come home to a lonely house, a lonely room, and you start to think sometimes.
"They want me to go back, but who knows what the future holds. I'm back here and I'm free and I'm looking around for a new challenge maybe. But if things are right I'll go back."