BRAZIL star Julio Baptista has been training at Wanderers in a bid to earn a playing contract at the age of 35.

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid star has caused a storm on social media this evening after taking a selfie at the Macron Stadium’s hotel, teasing the words “coming soon,” “get ready,” and “big announcement.”

Baptista wants to stay in football after a spell playing in the US ended at the end of last year and is close acquaintances with Lee Anderson, son of Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson.

Speaking to The Bolton News this evening, Whites boss Phil Parkinson said he had been impressed with the former Arsenal star’s condition and character but has calmed talk of an imminent deal.

“He came in and has been training with our Under-23s, but that’s it at the moment,” he said. “He’s a good contact of Lee’s.

“It really has been a great bit of experience for the younger lads to train with a player of that stature and pedigree.”

Wanderers flew Baptista in on Monday and he was shown round the training ground and stadium, undergoing some light testing with the medical staff.

It is understood the veteran even discussed squad numbers as the rest of the players were posing for the team photo on the Macron pitch.

He has since remained with his representative at the Whites Hotel and hopes to speak with club staff tomorrow morning to try and progress the situation.

Wanderers fans have been urged not to get their hopes up in a deal right out of the Sam Allardyce box of tricks.

Much could hinge on whether Wanderers get permission from the EFL to expand their squad.

Wanderers face a quick turnaround between this weekend’s game against Middlesbrough and another against Sheffield United on Tuesday night – which leaves little time in between for Parkinson to look at Baptista in a training situation.

The possibility of the veteran front man playing for the Under-23s at QPR on Monday night has been mooted.

Baptista has not played competitively since leaving Orlando City in November last year. His eight-month spell in MLS came to an end because of a clause in his contract which would have triggered a $1million payment.

He has since been offered deals in China but after playing in this summer’s Star Sixes for Brazil in London he hinted he would like to stay in England.