Riquelme joined Boca on loan in February after falling out of favour with Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini, but has since returned to the Spanish club where he has a contract until 2009.

The Argentinian helped Boca win the Copa Libertadores during his recent spell, and the 29-year-old admits he is eager to return to the club where he also started his career over a decade ago.

"I have two years left on my contract with Villarreal, but if Boca come for me now, I have offered their directors to play a third year free, without charging," Riquelme said on Argentinian television.

"Last Sunday I spoke with the Boca directors to show them my intention to return to the club, but they haven't given me an answer yet," he added. "I am a Boca fan and I want to return."

Despite Riquelme's offer, Boca would still have to stump up a transfer fee for the midfielder and the club's vice-president Pedro Pompilio admits they will have to weigh things up carefully.

"It is very soon and we won't rush things," said Pompilio, whose side recently signed Leandro Gracian from Mexican side Monterrey - a player who plays in the some role as Riquelme.

"We'll have to think about what to do because we are talking about very important figures that you cannot expend in one day," he told Ole newspaper.

"I think signing him is very difficult."