SOUTH China are trying to lure Scottish striker Frank McAvennie back to the territory to spearhead their Viceroy Cup campaign.
And the former West Ham United star, now back in the Scottish Premier League with Celtic, said last night he would be very interested in a second stint with the Caroliners.
After South China's 2-0 victory over Sing Tao in a Hongkong First Division match at Mongkok Stadium yesterday, team boss Steven Lo said they were stepping up their attempts to sign one, possibly two, new overseas players in time for the Viceroy Cup - by far the most prestigious of the three knockout competitions in Hongkong football.
''Money is no object,'' said Lo. ''The team has improved a lot in recent weeks but we need some more power up front.
''We were very happy with McAvennie when he was here before and we will try to get him back, although it will not be easy.'' Glasgow-born McAvennie, 32, spent a month with South China but was able to play only one senior game - a Camelpaint Challenge Shield quarter-final tie against Kitchee on November 5.
Although McAvennie did not produce the fireworks expected of him, missing three clear chances, his presence helped produce a capacity crowd and he inspired his team to fight back for a 1-1 draw before winning through to the semi-finals in a penalty shootout.
With Hongkong hosting the second FIFA indoor world championship in November, the league closed down for three weeks and McAvennie returned to Britain, where he rejoined Glasgow giants Celtic.