As a player, Paul Scholes did his talking on the pitch – his heralded passing ability and eye for goal making him one of the best players of his generation.

Since retiring from the game, though, the former Manchester United star has made a name for himself as a voice of reason – and often criticism – as a pundit for BT Sport.

With his level of playing experience and no-nonsense approach to analysis, there have long been rumours that the ex-England midfielder could return to football in a coaching capacity. According to reports from the Sun this weekend, that could come sooner rather than later.

Per the newspaper’s reports, new Wigan Athletic manager Warren Joyce has identified Scholes as an ideal member of his new coaching staff at the struggling Championship side.

Joyce, whom Scholes knows well from his time at United where the new Latics boss worked as reserve team manager, is reportedly planning to send an offer the BT Sport pundit’s way in the coming days.

Rather than a full-time position on Wigan’s bench, Joyce wants Scholes to impart his knowledge to the Championship team’s group of forwards on a part-time basis.

It is said that the former United star would prefer such a role than replacing Joyce as the Red Devils’ reserve team manager, an option that is apparently also under discussion.

The fact that the 41-year-old doesn’t actually possess his coaching badges would also make a return to his former club more difficult.

With Wigan currently occupying 22nd place in the Championship, it certainly wouldn’t be a glamorous return to the game for Scholes. Indeed, having played his entire career at United, it would be his first taste of life outside England’s top tier of football.

Nevertheless, working with a familiar face and for a club not far from his home could be appealing.

Moreover, getting his toes wet in coaching could yet improve his chances of getting bigger roles – perhaps as part of the United first-team coaching staff – further down the line.