Grimsby chairman John Fenty has revealed there is "a glimmer of a chance" that former England striker Robbie Fowler will join the Coca-Cola League Two club.
The 33-year-old is currently with Barclays Premier League side Blackburn but is out of contract at the end of the month and Fenty retains hope that Fowler may make a sensational move to Blundell Park.
Fowler knows Grimsby manager Mike Newell well, which has led to talk of a possible deal.
Fenty told the club's official website www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk: "A couple of weeks ago the manager had some discussions with Robbie and then asked me if we could potentially take it forward for Robbie to come in in a playing/coaching capacity.
"He is under contract with Blackburn until December and there is a real chance that he will get an extension there.
"But if that doesn't happen there is a glimmer of a chance that he might come to Grimsby.
"In truth we were trying to avoid this becoming a public issue but I think I needed to clarify the situation."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies