Michael Owen is set to join Premier League side Stoke City after he was released by Manchester United last month.
The 32-year-old made just four appearances for United in 2011/12 in a third injury-ravaged season.
He featured on just 52 occasions for the Red Devils, scoring 17 times.
But that hasn't deterred Stoke boss Tony Pulis from making the England international his first summer signing as he bolsters his forward line.
Racing or football?
Pulis recently admitted an interest in Owen, just as the Potters were in 2009 when he was released by Newcastle United. However Sir Alex Ferguson intervened and Owen joined the Old Trafford club.
Everton, Owen's boyhood club, have also been interested in acquiring the former Liverpool striker on a free transfer.
But Stoke is also barely 30 miles from the 2001 Ballon d'Or's Manor House Stables complex which, under the guidance of trainer Tom Dascombe, is gaining an auspicious reputation in the horse racing industry.
Stoke would become Owen's fifth club in his career, having also played a season with Real Madrid in 2004/05 before a £16m move to the Magpies.