Baraldi opens the door for Di Canio

Lazio chief executive Luca Baraldi has stated that he would love to see the West Ham man make a return to a club in which he is still idolised.

"One of the things I did when I was at Parma was to allow the return of players who had become part of the club's history," said Baraldi.

"I think this answers the question of how I feel about Di Canio returning.

"However, I will say at this point that the final word on market affairs will remain with the coach Roberto Mancini."

Di Canio had a high-profile falling out with manager Glenn Roeder, and looked unlikely to play again for The Irons.

However, the arrival of Trevor Brooking as caretaker coach as Roeder recovers from his severe medical problems, has muddied the waters about the Italian's future.

Di Canio has insisted he wants to return to Italy to end his career, and the prospect of playing for Lazio again would appeal to the passionate forward.