WANDERERS could offer Emile Heskey the chance to extend his playing career after the former England striker was invited to train with the club.

The Bolton News understands Whites boss Neil Lennon, who played alongside Heskey at Leicester City, is keeping an open mind on his old Leicester City team-mate who turns 37 in January.

The ex-Liverpool and Wigan powerhouse lives near Manchester and would be open to a short-term deal until the end of the season at the Macron Stadium.

Capped 62 times by England, Heskey has been searching for a new club since leaving Australian side Newcastle Jets in the summer.

He recently expressed an interest in returning to Leicester for another shot at the Premier League.

“It goes without saying, I'd love to come,” he said.

“It is a great club that allowed me to get to the platform that I got to.

“I was an England international when I was with Leicester so that was a great achievement.”

Nigel Pearson has since confirmed there will be no offer for the veteran at the King Power Stadium, although he is still working in an ambassadorial capacity for the club.

League One Carlisle United are also known to have offered Heskey a deal in August but it was turned down as he wanted to play at a higher level.

Lennon is already lining up one veteran front man in Eidur Gudjohnsen, with the club poised to officially confirm his return before this weekend’s trip to Reading.

The Icelander’s return after 14 years playing with the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Monaco has been roundly celebrated – but news of Heskey’s appearance at Euxton has split opinion among fans.

Heskey has not played in England since May 2012 when he finished his career with Aston Villa with a 2-0 defeat at Norwich City.

In his final season at Villa Park, Heskey scored just a solitary goal in 29 appearances under his former Leicester boss Martin O’Neill.

But his pedigree is not in question, with the striker able to boast 516 top flight games and 110 goals, alongside another seven for his country.

Lennon’s connection with the Foxes may well have helped pave the way for Heskey’s trial but the Wanderers boss will speak publically for the first time about his intentions for his former team-mate at a press conference, due to begin at 8.30am this morning at the Macron.