JULIO Baptista is scheduled to play for Wanderers’ Under-23s later today in an effort to prove his fitness.

The former Brazil international, who has played in Europe for the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Roma and Malaga, has been given international clearance to feature for David Lee’s side at the Imperial College Sports Ground.

Baptista has not played competitively since the end of last year when he parted ways with MLS outfit Orlando City but has trained with the development squad for the last week in a bid to impress Phil Parkinson.

The Wanderers boss has been uncommitted on whether the 35-year-old will be offered a permanent deal – which would also have to be sanctioned by the EFL under the terms of the transfer embargo.

Baptista raised fans hopes of a deal when he posted a picture of himself in the Whites’ Hotel on his Instagram account last week, teasing the words “coming soon,” “get ready,” and “big announcement.”

But Parkinson insisted last week that no offer was imminent but that the veteran was free to continue training at Lostock.

“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 (Anderson).

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

Another free agent, Joey O’Brien, has trained with the first team regularly over the last few weeks as he too tries to win a deal.