Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has asked for special permission to move on loan from his Chinese club despite the official transfer window being closed.
FIFA says it is considering the request for an exemption from international rules which currently prevent Drogba from representing another club until January 1.
Drogba's season with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua finished this month and a move would allow the Ivory Coast captain, 34, to play for a new team and prepare for the African Cup of Nations, begins on January 19. Drogba is contracted with Shanghai until 2014.
Since Drogba's departure from Chelsea last summer the club's attacking options have been limited, leading to speculation that a short-term return to Stamford Bridge could be considered, as well as Roman Abramovich's longer-term desire to sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid.