Derby County have confirmed that striker Dwight Yorke is among their options as they widen the search to solve the club's striker shortage.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa star is currently playing for Sydney FC in the Australian A-League but is known to be looking for a return to English football ahead of this summer's World Cup in Germany, where he will captain Trinidad and Tobago.
Yorke could be required by his club until March 5, when they are hoping to compete in the Grand Final of the A-League season.
Rams caretaker boss Terry Westley, who is known to be in the market for a proven goalscorer, confirmed that Yorke was among a number of options for the Rams, as revealed in yesterday's Evening Telegraph.
"Dwight Yorke has been offered to us and he has been spoken about," said Westley.
"A player like that is obviously someone you do look at because he's played at the top level in this country and can certainly play at Championship level.
"He needs to keep himself fit for the World Cup.
"He's not due back for a couple of weeks yet because he's finishing his obligations in Australia."
Yorke (34) has made 19 appearances for Sydney this season, scoring seven goals, at times playing in midfield.
He is due to play in the second leg of a play-off tie with Adelaide United on Sunday to decide who goes through to
the Grand Final.
He will then play a World Cup warm-up game against Iceland in London on February 28.
"We have a connection in Australia through the Academy here so we know the condition Dwight is in," added Westley."
We could be speaking to his people about coming back because he wants to play in this country before the World Cup so it could be one of those we follow up."
While Yorke remains an option that Derby could pursue at a later date, Westley, meanwhile, said he was prepared to wait another week in order to bring in a new striker to the club rather than adopt a short-term fix approach.
A Premiership striker has been identified by the club but an injury is thought to be the reason why the Rams cannot finalise the move.
He added: "People keep throwing different options at us and we could take somebody but I don't want to do that.
"I want to get the person who I believe is right for this club and if that means I have to wait for one more week then that
is our best option."
Brazilian striker Silva played 82 minutes in yesterday's behind-closed-doors game against Cardiff City, which the Rams lost 2-0.
It was hoped hemay play some part in Saturday's Championship match against Norwich City at Carrow Road but Westley said the player was not quite ready.
Derby County team against Cardiff City: Cann; Durivau (Addison), Young, Nyatanga, Meredith (Shepherd); Ainsworth, Doyle, Booth, Holmes (Hanson); Peschisolido, Silva (Ashton).