Fiorentina are in talks with Union Berlin to bring Robin Gosens back to Serie A after cooling on Filip Kostic of Juventus.
The German international moved back home to seek more regular playing time after his experience at Inter was disappointing.
However, following the €13m sale to Union Berlin a year ago, he has been repeatedly linked with a return to Italy for Bologna, Atalanta or Torino.
The latest option for his signature is Fiorentina, with Sportitalia, Sky Sport Italia and Calciomercato.com noting he is seen as the cheaper alternative to Juventus outcast Kostic.
Fiorentina join the Gosens race
Gosens turned 30 last month and last season scored seven goals with four assists in all competition for Union Berlin.
The previous offers were doomed to failure, so the Viola hope that they can convince both his club and the player to accept.
They might have an advantage because coach Raffaele Palladino is a student of Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, who got by far the best out of Gosens.
They are looking for a loan with option to buy, whereas Union Berlin want to make that an obligation for a total of €8m.