Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid said discussions had started with Brown on returning to Dunedin to play for the Highlanders.
Talks were initiated when Brown was back in Dunedin for the test between the All Blacks and Springboks in July.
Discussions had continued but ultimately it would be up to head coach Glenn Moore on whether Brown would make the squad, Reid said.
Brown, who will turn 34 in January, last played for the Highlanders in 2004 and then left to play in Japan, his last couple of seasons hindered by a bad hamstring injury.
But his connections with Super 14 rugby did not end and he has played for two South African sides, the Sharks in 2006, and the Stormers in 2008.
An impediment for Brown to come back is that his Japanese club, Sanyo, may still be involved in play-offs until well into March.
With the Super 14 due to start at Waitangi Day weekend, Brown would not be available to play to the Highlanders until halfway through the round robin.
He has turned up late for the two seasons with the South African franchises.
Brown is an experienced first five-eighth and his goal kicking would be a bonus for the Highlanders.
However, he played mostly off the bench for the South African sides.
He played 83 games for the Highlanders from 1996, and also 70 games for Otago, and 17 tests for the All Blacks.
Moore said the return of Brown was a discussion point and nothing more.
He declined further comment.
Reid said the New Zealand Rugby Union was showing more flexibility in its contracts with the sabbatical given to Dan Carter and the bringing back of former Highlanders captain Josh Blackie, who is returning from Japan to play for the Blues.
This helped in talking with Brown, but nothing had been signed.
Reid said he was not aware of any other former Otago players looking to return to the southern team.
The Highlanders are due to be announced on October 31.
