PEP GUARDIOLA sparked a transfer rumour frenzy after being filmed deep in conversation with Toni Kroos.
The Germany midfielder was left on the substitute bench in Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League home defeat to Manchester City.
His absence from the starting XI and failure to even come on was one of the major talking points as the Spanish inquest got underway.
Real boss Zinedine Zidane said his decision to leave out the World Cup winner was purely a tactical one.
But a conversation with Guardiola after the full-time whistle has fuelled rumours the pair could reunite once again.
Kroos played under the Spaniard during their time together at Bayern Munich before moving to Real in 2014.
In the build-up to last night's clash, Kroos raised eyebrows when he spoke highly of the former Barca boss.
He said: "Pep wanted me to renew but what would have been the point of me signing a five-year deal if the manager was off again soon?
"He went to Man City two years later but we're still in touch and get on very well. I will never forget it because I learned so much."
Some City fans are convinced that Guardiola was putting the feelers out ahead of a potential summer move.
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One said: "Bring him Pep! Class player."
Another simply added: "Poaching".
And a third joked: "Hey Toni, would you mind playing in League Two next year?”