Michael Cheika has confirmed the Australian Rugby Union is actively trying to lure Quade Cooper back home.
Hot on the heels of Queensland's stunning signing of legendary Wallabies flanker George Smith, the Reds could have another big-name addition to their 2017 squad if Cheika's latest attempt at repatriating overseas-based players pays off.
Mercurial five-eighth Cooper left the Reds at the end of last year to sign a two-year deal with French glamour club Toulon, but the move hasn't worked out and the 28-year-old is understood to be keen to come home.
"I've been more than endorsing it - I've been out there trying to get him back," Cheika told a Reds luncheon in Brisbane on Friday.
"For many years players left Australia and we just said, 'alright, you're gone now, see you later'.