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JOSE Baxter is training with Everton under-23s, after being banned for the whole of last season

TALK is rife that Jose Baxter might be on his way back to Athletic.

The 25-year-old, who is in the game again after serving a 12-month drugs ban that ruled him out of the whole of 2016-17, is currently with first club Everton where he is training with the under-23s.

But the act of goodwill by the Goodison Park club in allowing the player back into the fold would not see them stand in the way of Baxter moving elsewhere for first-team football - which could open the door for a dramatic return to Athletic.

Signed by Paul Dickov five years ago after leaving Everton, Baxter was a major hit in his first season with Athletic, scoring 15 goals in 45 appearances.

He signed a long-term contract, but then left in the August window in 2013 to join Sheffield United in a six-figure transfer.

Baxter spent three seasons at Bramall Lane, helping the club reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup - he opened the scoring in a 5-3 loss to Hull City at Wembley - but was twice suspended for failing drugs tests.

He made a total of 120 appearances for the Blades, but did not feature again after being suspended for testing positive for a social drug in February, 2016.

That came after he was first given a five-month ban by the FA in July, 2015, telling the governing body that his drink had been spiked on a night out.

While his troubles off the field are well-documented, Baxter's clear talent on it could make him a risk worth taking in Athletic's eyes.

The club offered no comment when asked by the Chronicle whether Baxter is a target.

Athletic's squad were heading to their University of Bath base today with Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell among the travelling party.

Peacock-Farrell (20) is at this stage regarded as a trialist and will be looked at closely by manager John Sheridan in the two games that will be played this week. Leeds want to get the goalkeeper, who has signed a new contract at Elland Road, out on loan this season.

Athletic are at Salisbury FC tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off) in a game open to the public, then are behind closed doors for a clash at Swindon Town on Friday (noon kick-off).

Meanwhile, first-team coach Richie Wellens believes he has the perfect opportunity to hone his coaching skills working under two experienced heads he used to play for.

The former Athletic midfielder took to the dug-out at Stalybridge Celtic and after being put on press duties after the 4-1 win at Bower Fold, expressed his delight at getting the chance to work alongside Sheridan and his right-hand man Tommy Wright, under whose charge the recently retired midfielder got Athletic into the League One play-offs a decade ago.

"I couldn't ask for two better people to learn from," said Wellens, who is initially present on a short-term basis with the make-up of the coaching staff only confirmed for pre-season at present.

"When you finish playing after such a long time and coming to work with Tommy and John, who I have played for as a player, I know what type of characters they are.

"For however long I am with them, I am grateful for having the opportunity to come and work for them and I am looking forward to what will happen this season."