Several reliable sources in the World Superbike hierarchy have linked Britain's Leon Camier with a seat in the works-backed Ducati team for 2014.
The lanky Kent rider, who has been beset by injury this year, is believed to be in advanced talks with the factory for a ride next season - as is fellow ex-250GP man Chaz Davies. But it all seems to hang on the placement of Ben Spies.
Spies has a Ducati MotoGP contract through to the end of 2014 but injury has kept him out of all but two races this season. The factory are apparently keen to put the former back in WSBK after failing to tempt Nicky Hayden.
Camier, meanwhile, refused to be drawn on the exact details of any talks when bikesportnews.com spoke to him earlier today, but did say: "I have quite a broad base of options for 2014, some of which are with factory-backed teams, so that is very encouraging considering I have been out for a few races this year."