Bradley Wiggins and Garmin-Sharp team manager Jonathan Vaughters are believed to have held “informal talks” over the possibility of the 2012 Tour de France winner returning to the team where he first announced himself as a Grand Tour contender.

"Brad and I have had a couple of friendly chats," Vaughters told Cyclingnews.

"They were nice conversations but I have to stress that Sky have the first priority in this matter and we can't negotiate or sign contracts until the UCI's transfer window opens on August 1 and we're going to follow the rules strictly."

Wiggins was fourth in the 2009 Tour with Garmin, which became third after Lance Armstrong was disqualified, making him the first Brit to finish on the Tour podium in Paris.

Wiggins left in 2010 however after a sour split as a result of Wiggins openly comparing Sky to Manchester United and Garmin to Wigan Athletic.

"Brad and I, our objectives are aligned. We both want to work with strong team time trial teams and we share other ideas too. There have been no negotiations at this stage though and we won't and can't make a move until Team Sky make a decision," Vaughters added.

Sky are said to be “keen to discuss future opportunities with Brad," according to Dave Brailsford, with Orica-Greeenedge also rumored to be in the hunt for his signature.