Jamie Vardy is targeting a fairytale return to the Premier League at the age of 39.

The former England striker is to curtail his time in Italy following Cremonese’s relegation from the top flight to Serie B.

Vardy had an option to stay for another season with the Lombardy outfit had they remained in Serie A.

However, he feels he can still offer something to a Premier League and is weighing up options as initial interest builds.

Despite being in a struggling side and one of the most defensive leagues in Europe, Vardy still managed to score seven goals last season, including one against Juventus.

Premier League sides recognise he could still have an impact even as a bit-part player and are exploring what he is looking for in his next deal.

Vardy’s story has been one of Boy’s Own comic strips of old, having been rejected by Sheffield Wednesday as a 16-year-old and forging a career with Stocksbridge Park Steels. He stepped up to unfashionable Halifax then Fleetwood before Leicester took a £1million gamble on him in 2012.

Jamie Vardy scored seven goals in 28 games for Cremonese in Serie A

By the time he left, last summer, Vardy had made 500 appearances, scored 200 goals and won a Premier League title, an FA Cup, the Community Shield, two Football League Championships and footballer of the year. Not to mention 27 caps for England.

Now after taking on a fresh challenge in Italy, he wants to return for one last go at the Premier League.

Vardy did have a number of offers last summer, including a lucrative one from Feyenoord. His experience, desire to win and goalscoring prowess means he will be in demand once again this window despite the advancing years.