Shaun Goater looks set to return to Manchester City in preparation for the new season, despite telling the club he wanted to quit at the end of last campaign.

Goater (33) was told he could leave the Premiership side by manager Kevin Keegan after he became frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities.

The arrival of Robbie Fowler and Keegan's insistence that he was the man to partner Nicolas Anelka up front meant that the Bermudian has had to resign himself to a place on the bench.

Goater, who received an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours earlier this month, was expected to be the subject of plenty of interest from clubs up and down the country looking for a proven goalscorer.

However, despite rumours of interest from the likes of Sunderland, Sheffield United, Reading and Wolves, as yet nothing has materialised.

City spokeswoman Vicky Kloss told The Royal Gazette: "There has been no official approach yet, but the manager has been away on holiday, so this could change."

She said that players were expected to return to the club, which begins life at the City of Manchester Stadium this season after leaving Maine Road, around July 8.

"If there is no deal Shaun would come back to training with everyone else," Kloss said.

As for what would happen if the season started and Goater was still at the club, she added: "He would more than likely remain part of the squad."