John Terry is weighing up the possibility of signing for Aston Villa after a round of golf with Steve Bruce.
The former Chelsea and England skipper met Villa chief Bruce for talks about his future over a game at the Quinta do Lago resort in Portugal at the weekend.
Terry, 36, is keen on the idea of leading Villa out of the Championship back to the big time with a contract and a big promotion bonus.
The Chelsea legend likes the challenge on offer with Bruce’s club.
And he hit it off with the manager and former centre-half on their golfing get-together.
Bruce has been told he has to sell before he buys at Villa but owner Doctor Tony Xia would come up with a package for Terry.
Terry has already spoken to Bournemouth but may fancy teaming up with Bruce in a surprise next and possible final stage of his playing career.
Bournemouth remain the bookies’ favourites to land Terry, but they have now slashed the odds on him heading to Villa Park.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe wants Terry’s renowned leadership qualities to beef up his back four to try to push even further up the league next season.
Terry has also had interest from China and the MLS.
He dropped a huge hint immediately after his last game for Chelsea on May 21 that he wants to continue playing for as long as possible.
He said: “I am going to take a few weeks off now with my family to relax before making a decision (on my future).
“But I want to carry on playing, whether it be for one or two more years.
“And that is the reason I decided to leave the club as I did not want to stand in the way of all the young players.”