FANS hero David Lee could be making a dramatic return to Gigg Lane.

The skilful right-winger, who was Player of the Year in the 1990-91 season, has been in discussions with boss Andy Preece and chairman Terry Robinson about the possibility of returning "home".

Lee, aged 32, is currently unemployed after coming to the end of his contract at Wigan Athletic and is searching for a club to play for.

He still has a lot to offer and would be a useful addition to Preece's side, which is short of right-sided players. At the moment the manager relies on the left-footed Adrian Littlejohn to play on the right flank and Lee's arrival would give him an extra option.

Lee, who spent six seasons at Gigg Lane, scoring 36 goals in 229 appearances, told the Bury Times this week that he would love to return to his first club.

"I've spoken to Preecey about the chances of coming to Bury and if we could sort out a contract I would seriously consider it," he revealed.

"The problem is that because of the financial situation they could only offer me a three-month deal. But hopefully we can sort something out. I would love to come back."

Lee spoke to Preece about the move three weeks ago and the idea was discussed again when Lee returned to Gigg Lane on Saturday to commentate on the Bury-Bolton friendly match for a local radio station.

Preece confirmed to the Bury Times that discussions had taken place and said the winger would be "a useful acqusition".

He added: "Negotiations are really in the early stages. I spoke to David and he said he'd had a couple of offers from other clubs.

"They may have been better than what we could give him and he hasn't been back to me.

"He would be a useful acquisition for us and he's an experienced player that the fans would relate to after being such a favourite down here.

"It's all down to money and a lot of other things but as things stand it would only be a short term deal if we did sort something out.

The winger is fondly remembered by the Shakers faithful, who will recall his speed and skill on the right and the torrid time he gave opposition full-backs.

He joined Bury as a YTS apprentice in 1985 after being given a trial by the manager at the time, Martin Dobson.

After several successful seasons he left Bury two games into the 1991-92 season to join Southampton for £250,000 and realise his dream of playing in the top flight of English football.

After that he had an impressive five year spell at Bolton Wanderers' before joining Lancashire neighbours Wigan Athletic.

Whitefield-born Lee, who loved his time at Bury, is now hoping events will turn full circle and he will be able to make return to the place where it all started.