Pompey target wants Coventry move

But the attacking midfielder admitted it’s unlikely he will be making a switch to the Ricoh Arena.

Baker has also expressed his determination to make his next move to a club with promotion potential.

And the 33-year-old has underlined a belief he is in his best-ever condition, despite heading towards the twilight of his career.

Paul Cook is keen to bring Baker to Fratton Park to boost his promotion bid.

The Scouser is out of contract at MK Dons, where he has been offered another one-year deal.

But he has made it clear his priority would be a return to the club he spent four years at until 2014.

Baker told the Coventry Telegraph today: ‘I was offered a new contract right at the end of the season and I said I wanted to hang fire, get away from football over the summer and then sit down and make a decision at some point.

‘The amount of messages I have had on Facebook and Twitter has been overwhelming and it does make me want to come back because I can see how proud they are and how much they want me to come back, and I appreciate that and it would be lovely.

‘Whether it will happen or not is a totally different story.

‘The fans, since the day I left but especially this summer, have been absolutely amazing.

‘I have not spoken to Coventry at all so I think it might be dead in the water which is such a shame because it’s local to me, it’s a club passionate to my heart, it’s the club my kids support and it would have been nice.

‘I would be very surprised if that was to come to fruition now.

‘It’s sad because I would have loved to have come back and still think I have got a lot to offer.’

Baker has made it clear being part of a club headed in the right direction is a big motivation in what he does next.

He achieved promotion with MK Dons before their relegation from the Championship last term.

And contending for trophies is a big priority for the former Southport man.

Baker said: ‘I want to go someone where I feel we can get promoted and I still feel I have got a few good years in me yet.

‘I have to weigh up what I want to be doing and there are boxes, for me, that I want to tick and that means going to a team who I believe can genuinely get promoted.

‘When I signed for MK Dons I had six or seven options but they had just beat Man United 4-0 in the Cup and I really fancied them to have a good go and that was a big factor in my decision to go there.

‘So this year I am going to do exactly the same and go to a club who I believe has the potential to go up and have a good future.

‘It’s all about getting the box ticked and what suits me at this stage of my career, and that’s why I want to take my time over it and make the right decision for myself and my family.’

Baker made 37 appearances and scored five goals last season and believes he is still in fine physical shape.

He said: ‘I know people look at your age. I’m 33 but physically I feel I am in the best shape and best condition I have ever been in.

‘All people my age will say that but, for me, I feel that in a year or two years time I will be able to look back and reflect on this interview and say “I told you I felt in good condition,” and have played a lot of football.’