Newcastle United caretaker boss John Carver says Jonas Gutierrez could be ready for the first team later this month.
The Daily Mail says the Argentine's contract - which expires in the summer - does not contain a clause which means one more appearance for the club will trigger an extension.
That had led to reports that Gutierrez - who returned to the north-east last month after beating testicular cancer for a second time - would never play for the Magpies again.
But when asked if Gutierrez could again feature for Newcastle, caretaker boss Carver said: "Absolutely. He has played three reserve games and scored his first goal on Monday night.
"He's getting fitter and stronger and it's part of his process. I am liaising with him all the time.
"Players know better than I do in terms of fitness, but he is about two or three weeks away from pushing for a first-team place."