WANDERERS have left the door open for Chung-Yong Lee to make a return to the club this summer.

The South Korean midfielder is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace, where he made just 10 Premier League starts in three seasons.

He came close to re-joining Bolton in January when a loan deal was cancelled at the 11th hour – reportedly by former Whites boss Dougie Freedman, who is now sporting director with the Eagles.

Chung-Yong is understood to be exploring his options but Wanderers have kept in regular contact with the 29-year-old’s representatives and say they would be interested in talking to their former player of the year.

Asked last month about where he would be playing his football next season, the former FC Seoul playmaker said: “I don’t know. But if I have a chance to stay in Europe, I want to.

Of his time at Palace, which yielded just 51 appearances in all competitions after a £2million move from Bolton in February 2015, he added: “I learned a lot but I hope to play more next season.”

Chung-Yong has been regularly linked with a move back to Bolton during his time at Palace, although his wage at Selhurst Park was always considered a major obstruction. Should he fancy the challenge of playing in the Championship again at Bolton, it is understood the club is optimistic a deal can be agreed.

Phil Parkinson gave his blessing for a move in January and is known to be a big fan of the player, who had previously made 195 appearances for Wanderers and scored 20 goals.

He has already added Erhun Oztumer to his attacking ranks this summer and continues to work towards securing a deal for out-of-contract winger Sammy Ameobi.

The addition of such a popular figure could also have a positive effect on season ticket sales – which have stood up well despite a small increase in prices at the Macron Stadium.

Sales at the end of the early purchase deadline were circa 10,000 – mirroring the number 12 months ago, when fans were still on a high celebrating promotion from League One.

Attendances held up despite a difficult campaign, in which Wanderers spent 25 of the 46 game-weeks in the relegation zone. The average of 15,887 was the highest for four years and the club’s 10th highest for a season outside the top flight.