Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt is set to be handed a lifeline in his bid to become a footballer – by Argentina legend Diego Maradona.

Bolt, the nine-time Olympic sprint champion who is still the fastest man in the world, is in talks about joining Maradona at Mexican second division club Dorados.

The 32-year-old Jamaican star failed to agree a contract with Australian club Central Coast Mariners, despite scoring twice during a three-game trial.

But now Maradona wants to take bolt to Dorados after the pair played alongside each other during a charity friendly in Switzerland earlier this year.

Coach Mardonna has already begun talks with sponsors in a bid to find a way to cover bolt’s wages.

Maradona wants Bolt to spearhead his team’s attack next season if he can secure promotion.