Jos Verstappen could make a Formula One comeback with Minardi next season.

Minardi team owner Paul Stoddart said on Friday that "intense" negotiations have been going on, which could see Verstappen return next season.

Verstappen has been out of F1 since Arrows dropped him in favour of German Heinz-Harald Frentzen before the start of the season.

Both Verstappen and Frentzen, who left Arrows in August, are now taking legal action against their former team.

"We are in intense negotiations with Verstappen's management," said Stoddart.

Verstappen is thought to be keen to return if Minardi have a competitive engine.

The team are currently in negotiations for a Ford Cosworth engine supply next year.

The Dutchman started out in Grand Prix racing with Benetton, alongside world champion Michael Schumacher in 1994, and has also raced for Simtek, Tyrrell and Stewart.