Basel have launched an ambitious plan to tempt unwanted Celtic flop Albian Ajeti back for a third spell at the club...but he'd need to agree to accept a huge pay cut to go.

And they are hoping their president can persuade him to return to Switzerland because he's a former teammate of Ajeti.

Austrian side Sturm Graz turned down the chance to make the Swiss striker's loan move permanent this summer after an underwhelming spell in Austria.

He scored just one goal since October and was beset with injury problems.

Ajeti still has a year to go on his Hoops contract since signing from West Ham for £5 million and has no future under Brendan Rodgers.

He reportedly turned down a chance to be paid up for the remainder of his contract - like fellow flop Vasilis Barkas - and is prepared to sit tight for a year.

READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers reveals Celtic's Carl Starfelt transfer exit stance

However, Basel have reportedly made contact with the 26-year-old and are trying to get him to return to Switzerland either on loan or on a permanent deal.

The club's president is 40-year-old David Degen who played with Ajeti for a couple of seasons toward the end of his career.

Ajeti came through the ranks at Basel and helped with them the title in 2015 before moving to St Gallen.

Basel brought him back though and he went on to be the top scorer in Switzerland which earned him an £8 million move to West Ham.

He scored 46 goals in 96 appearances for the club and manager Timo Schultz wants to bring him home after a disappointing fifth place finish last season.