WORLD CHAMPION JENSON Button appears to have moved a step closer to signing with McLaren after taking a tour of the team’s technology centre in Woking.

Locked in a contract dispute with Brawn GP, Button is seeking a pay rise following a stunning campaign which saw the Briton claim six Grand Prix victories, and guide his team to the championship double.

Button accepted a massive pay cut to remain with the team in January and hoped to receive a wage befitting his status as World Champion.

However, Brawn has refused to match Button’s demands, stating the team cannot afford to increase his wages substantially, prompting McLaren to make a late swoop in an attempt to nab the Frome Flyer.

With Brawn GP stalling and Button growing increasingly crestfallen, McLaren has swooped, making the 29-year-old its number one target after growing increasingly frustrated with Kimi Raikkonen refusal to budge in negotiations.

Raikkonen has openly stated he is unwilling to move to any team but McLaren, handing the team clear bargaining power in contract talks as race seats rapidly become unavailable.

A McLaren spokesperson told the Guardian newspaper Button had indeed stopped by for a tour of the outfit’s facilities, but said it was simply to say a “quick hello”.

Richard Goddard, Button’s manager, however, was much more forthright, admitting his client is considering all available options.

“As I’ve said many times before, Jenson wants to drive a car which is capable of winning the next world championship,” he said to the Guardian.

“We’ve been talking about possible terms for 2010 with Brawn for months and we’re not being difficult or unreasonably expensive in our demands for Jenson. In fact we’ve given up quite a lot of negotiating ground in our discussions with them.

“I think it’s also important that Jenson wants to feel valued in whatever situation he finds himself next season. He needs to explore all the feasible options.”

Brawn GP is believed to have already signed Nico Rosberg, and with Mercedes moving to purchase the team outright, appear to have a bright future.