Ben Cohen said Thursday he was close to signing a new contract that would end his spell in the rugby wilderness and revive his England ambitions.
Cohen left Northampton in September after being overlooked for the captaincy, only for his proposed move to Leicester to then break down for salary cap reasons.
The 29-year-old winger, who bought himself out of his contract at Saints, was stuck in limbo as he considered options to move to rugby league or accept overtures from both English and French clubs.
But while the cross-code switch intrigued him - Wigan and Harlequins were suitors - he decided to stay in the Premiership and hinted that Leicester remains a possible destination after revealing he would not be required to move from his east midlands base.
"I'm sorting out a club now," said Cohen, who has been named on the bench for the Barbarians' clash with South Africa on Saturday.
"I hope to be playing within the next few weeks - before the new year.
"There is nothing signed and sealed. I've had plenty of offers and I weighed up my options. But I've decided on the club it will be.
"We're just crossing Ts and dotting the Is. I won't be moving house.
"Going to league was an interesting choice. Wigan approached me and I was interested. The option is still there.
"Not many people go from union to league any more. It would have been exciting but it wasn't to be.
"There's a rugby league World Cup next year but I've already decided what's going to happen next.
"I'm feeling happier. I'm enjoying life but now it's time to get back to work. Since I've been out I've been training every day - running, swimming and staying trim."
Cohen has no regrets making himself unavailable for England's summer tour to South Africa and the World Cup, a decision prompted by the desire to spend time with his pregnant wife Abby.
The birth of their twins has consumed Cohen's time since, but the 2003 World Cup winner insisted he now has his heart set on adding to his 53 caps.
"I don't think you can ever retire from international rugby," he said.
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