Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Frei has set his sights on a "dream" return to Basel in his native Switzerland.

The Swiss side are keen on signing the 30-year-old, who has already stated his desire to end his career in his homeland, and talks between the two clubs are now set to take place.

"There is interest on both sides in Alex coming to Basel," said Basel vice-president Bernhard Heusler in Blick newspaper.

"However, there are still many obstacles which must be removed. But obstacles are there to be overcome."

Frei, who played for Basel between 1995 and 1998, is currently in pre-season training with Dortmund, with whom he still has a year left on his contract.

There are currently no indications the Westphalians intend to extend his deal beyond next summer, meaning this could be one of the last chances for them to command a fee for the Switzerland captain, who has already made up his mind where he would like to play next season.

"A return to Basel would be a dream for me," he told Kicker magazine.