Former Stade Francais favourite Juan Martin Hernandez is set for a return to Paris - but with city rivals Racing-Métro 92.

Hernandez was effectively forced out by Stade shortly before the current season began and opted to play in South Africa for the Natal Sharks.

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At the time - and subsequently too - the Argentine play-maker stressed that it had not been his decision to leave the Paris club, insisting that he was happy in the French capital and adding that he anticipated a return to Top 14 in the future.

Now it seems that Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti is willing to finance the return of 'El Mago' as he continues to attract international stars to his high-flying outfit. The likes of Sebastien Chabal, Lionel Nallet and Francois Steyn have already helped the newly-promoted team to third in the current Top 14 standings, and there's no doubt that the addition of Hernandez would be a significant coup - both on and off the pitch.

At the time of his departure from Stade Hernandez also said he had "unfinished business" with regards to the Heineken Cup, a competition that Racing now look increasingly likely to be playing in next season.

According to Midi Olympique the 27-year-old has already agreed to sign with Racing, with final terms set to be thrashed out shortly. His imminent signing - if confirmed - would be a blow to other French clubs thought to be chasing his services, with Stade Toulousain, Bayonne, Toulon and Perpignan all rumoured to have been keen on his signature.

"I miss Paris," Hernandez told Midi Olympique. "I fell in love with this city and I realize it now," he added.

The timing of Racing's latest star acquisition would be a tad ironic for his former club Stade Francais, given that the main reason for forcing out Hernandez had been due to financial concerns. The Max Guazzini owned club went on a bit of a shopping spree in the summer, with the €200,000 purchase of Leicester's Julien Dupuy finally forcing them to sell one of their prized assets.

Now news of Hernandez's return to Paris - but with Racing - comes on the same day that Stade Francais have confirmed that Dupuy will appeal against his six-month ban for eye-gouging. Given the current climate surrounding eye-gouging it would seem doubtful that Dupuy will be successful, but then again, given the length of the ban he may feel he has nothing to lose.