"In the past when a high-profile Indian became a free agent, he usually left. Grady Sizemore could be the exception.

Joe Urbon, Sizemore's agent, told FoxSports.com on Friday that he's negotiating a contract with the Indians that could bring the former Gold Glove center fielder back to Cleveland. On Oct. 31, the Indians declined a $9 million club option on Sizemore for 2012.

"Grady has maintained that he would welcome a return to the Indians," Urbon told FoxSports. "Our efforts right now are to see if we can make that happen."

Sizemore has spent the past three years hobbled by injuries. He's currently completing an eight-week rehab following right knee surgery on Oct. 3 to correct a bone bruise.

When GM Chris Antonetti declined Sizemore's option, he made it clear he'd like to re-sign Sizemore, but at a lower price given his inability to stay on the field on a consistent basis. Antonetti maintained that posture this week at the GM meetings in Milwaukee when he said: "We still remain interested in keeping Grady an Indian. How that process unfolds over the next few weeks and the next few months, I'm not sure."

It's believed the Indians are discussing a one-year deal with Sizemore.

It would include a low base salary but enough performance bonuses to where he could earn at least $9 million if he's able to play a full season and produce the kind of offense he did from 2005 through 2008. In fact, it's believed a deal like that was discussed before Sizemore's option was declined."