Don Imus friends Mike Francesa and Chris Russo, of "Mike and the Mad Dog," while celebrating the sports station’s 20th anniversary last Friday, whispered that a deal to bring the talk-radio legend back to the radio station is in the works.

"When we return to our regular schedule this September, I hope the team will once again be complete," Francesa said.

Imus has received numerous radio offers, but is unable to accept any deal until he settles with CBS, the station’s owner. A return to airwaves could avoid a potential contentious legal battle over his current contract, reports the New York Post.

Tapes from Imus’ show were featured Friday morning; a highly unusual move for any media outlet that had so recently sent its star packing.