YOURI Djorkaeff is keen to play at the Reebok Stadium next season.

Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce is hopeful he will have the French World Cup star on board next season after he opened negotiations yesterday.

The 34-year-old, who was influential in keeping Wanderers in the Premiership during a 12-game stint at the end of last season, wants to return on a more permanent basis.

Discussions have begun on a positive level and if there are no snags with personal terms Djorkaeff appears more than happy to return to the Reebok for football reasons.

It is understood that the 1998 World Cup winner, who has played 82 times for his country, wanted to see evidence of Wanderers' ambition to compete in the Premiership next season before committing himself and he cannot have failed to be impressed by the signings of Nigerian captain Jay Jay Okocha and top Turk Bulent Akin and the possible arrival of Nigerian defender Taribo West.

Allardyce said: "We have started talks with Youri and he is very keen on joining us.

"We are hopeful that we can agree something in the next couple of days.

"The very fact that he is talking to us is positive and he has shown he is keen to play for us in the Premiership. I think it will come down to agreeing the financial package with him and his representatives and if we can do that, then I am sure he will be joining us for at least another season."

Wanderers have put a financial offer to West and are waiting for a decision from the 28-year-old former Inter and AC Milan star.

"We are waiting for his people to contact us," said Allardyce. "He is a quality player who would add a new dimension to the squad. He is the type of player we are trying to attract."

New contract talks with Gudni Bergsson will start next week. The 37-year-old club captain is away on a pre-season training camp in Poland with the rest of the Reebok senior squad and will begin negotiations on his third new deal in successive years on his return.

One player who would love a return to the Reebok is Fredi Bobic.

The 30-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker enjoyed a new lease of life on loan at the Reebok last season and is touting himself for a return ticket.

Bobic, who will cost a fee, said he enjoyed the five months he spent on loan last season and would relish a permanent return.

He said: "If I had not cost a lot of transfer money I would still be there. Even if it meant I would have pocketed less. But, maybe there is still a chance. I love playing in England. I have had several offers to stay in England and at the moment the future looks bright."