Gareth Bale visited Cardiff City's training base on Wednesday morning and spoke with manager Steve Morison for the first time, WalesOnline understands.
The rumours swirling around Bale's seemingly improbable move to his hometown club have heightened in recent weeks, with the Wales captain's future firmly at the forefront of everyone's minds in this corner of the world.
And Cardiff is most certainly an option for him, with club chiefs having held talks with the player's representatives over the last few weeks. However, it will come as no surprise that the 32-year-old has a number of offers on the table as he looks to find a new club before leading Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years this winter.
READ MORE: Something's got to give at Cardiff City as new arrivals push Bluebirds to limit
Bale said he would go on holiday with his family after his World Cup play-off final and Nations League exploits with Wales and he did just that, arriving back in Cardiff on Tuesday.
It is understood he reported at the club's Vale of Glamorgan HQ this morning to undertake some physio work with the FAW's medical staff, who share the facilities with the Bluebirds. Bale's presence in the building did not go unnoticed by Cardiff's players, either, who had also turned up for their first day of pre-season.
And sources have told WalesOnline Morison spoke with Bale and the player's future was discussed. While Bale has returned from one holiday, though, he is set to jet off again soon until July 16. But WalesOnline understands the Wales talisman has told the club he is set to make his decision in the coming days, rather than wait until he is back from holiday next month.
It is also understood that Vincent Tan is keeping an extremely close eye on proceedings and is indeed energised by the possibility of having Wales' greatest ever footballer play for the club he owns. Should Bale decide he wants to join the Bluebirds, it could have a genuine knock-on effect upwards and reinvigorate Tan's desire to help City back to the Premier League.
Also, the prospect of Bale coming in would act as a carrot for prospective players to join the club towards the back end of the window, so would perhaps prop up the shop window, so to speak.
Clearly the ball is in Bale's court, however Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman is understood to be in dialogue with the player's representatives. The exact details of any proposed deal are as yet unclear, though.
While nothing is set in stone just yet, Bale's conversation with Morison is no doubt a step in the right direction if a deal is to get over the line.
At present, Cardiff are planning and recruiting as though Bale is not coming and should he come, it will very much be viewed as a bonus to supplement the squad.
READ NEXT:
Ryan Giggs officially quits as Wales football manager as public statements issued
- Five young talents sign Cardiff City deals
Former Cardiff City player loses High Court claim that knee surgeon cut short his career
Aaron Ramsey to Cardiff City hits trouble as Juventus legend offers him transfer lifeline
Cardiff City supermarket sweep has been a great success but Bluebirds still lacking in key area
