MARK Hughes has paved the way for a return to his "native" north-west with a firm hint that this is where he will end his playing days.

The Chelsea striker, who has been on Wanderers' wanted list for more than a year, says he would welcome a return to the region.

But he has ruled out an imminent move and denies being unsettled in London since his £1.5 million move from Manchester United two summers ago.

Nevertheless, Hughes says he doesn't intend putting roots down in the capital.

"I wouldn't bet against me coming back to the north-west at some stage," says the combative 34-year-old Welsh international, who still has a house in Cheshire.

"I've kept my house on and my children will be going into schools in the area. That's where I envisage I'll end up living for the rest of my life."

Hughes outlines his plans and hopes for the future in an interview on an official Bolton Wanderers video "A Table Topping Start" which chronicles the successful start of the season.

The subject of a long-standing interest from Burnden boss Colin Todd, Hughes refutes media reports suggesting he is desperate to leave Chelsea because he and his family have failed to settle there.

He says: "I've had no problem adapting. We live in a nice area and people have been very friendly. I've had no problem settling.

"I'm back in the north-west every weekend so I don't have a chance to miss it."

Wanderers could face competition from Leeds and Everton if Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit shows any sign of being prepared to do business and the pull of the Premiership could be a deciding factor.

Hughes, who aims to match the evergreens, Ray Wilkins and Peter Beardsley for endurance, would prefer to stay in the top flight rather than drop down the divisions and explains: "As you get older I think the better players you have around you, the easier it is. The higher level you can keep at, the better it is for you."

For now, he is happy to concentrate on playing for the Pensioners. "I would love to win something with Chelsea," he adds.

"I've joined a club that's going places and we've shown over the last couple of years we are capable of doing something. It would be nice to be part of a team that can win some silverware."

"A Table Topping Start", a Touchline Video production featuring Wanderers first 12 games of the season and including extended highlights from the games at Bradford and Wolves, goes on sale on Saturday, priced £17.99. Commentaries and interviews have been conducted by Peter Smith, the voice of Wanderers' Clubcall and Piccadilly 1152.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.