MADISON, Wis. -- Brett Favre's return to football could be getting closer to a reality as ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the recently retired Green Bay star quarterback has an "itch" to come out of retirement and report to training camp with the Packers.

TALKBACK: Will Favre Come Out Of Retirement?

ESPN is reporting that the former quarterback has communicated his potential desire to play again to Packers' coach Mike McCarthy but talks have not advanced to a substantive stage, according to a team source.

ESPN sited sources that said the team would be reluctant to welcome Favre back because he "retired for the right reasons," and another said that the quarterback was "getting the itch" to play next season.

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, told ESPN that Favre was still retired, and downplayed the chance of him attending -- and being prepared for -- this month's training camp.

ESPN reported that Favre was unavailable to comment, and that McCarthy was on vacation.

Favre, who has two years remaining on his contract with the Packers, announced his retirement in early March.

"I don't think I've got anything else left to give. I know I can play, but I don't think I want to," an emotional Favre said during the March news conference.

Favre responded Wednesday to the ESPN report by telling his hometown newspaper Web site, SunHerald.com in Gulfport, Miss., that "it's all rumor."

The paper reported that Favre sent a text message saying there's "no reason" for a media frenzy.

The Mississippi native left the NFL as the league's all-time record holder in several categories, including wins by a starting quarterback, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started.

A three-time NFL MVP, seven-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Favre completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 61,655 yards and 442 TDs over 17 NFL seasons, the last 16 of which were played in Green Bay after the Packers acquired him from the Atlanta Falcons.

George Minkel of Mazomanie would like to see Favre come out of retirement and return to the Packers.

"I think Brett Favre has one more good season left in him. And I'd be happy to have Brett Favre come back and play for the Packers," said Minkel.

Madison resident Heather Melms said its time for Favre to be done.

"Let his legacy be, and see him move forward," said Melms. "I'd like to see Green Bay kind of evolve into a strong organization that can stand alone without him, but enjoy his legacy."

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.