IT’S the reunion no one thought was possible.

But iconic Mancs THE SMITHS are “closer than ever” to setting aside their poisonous differences for a comeback.

Sources close to the band believe they could headline California festival Coachella in a one-off show next April for a huge pay day.

Singer MORRISSEY turned down a £2.8million bid from the event organisers in 2006 but they will have massively upped the offer.

Any deal would mark a remarkable turnaround. Veg-loving frontman Morrissey has repeatedly vowed to never again share a stage with his former bandmates, guitarist JOHNNY MARR, bassist ANDY ROURKE and drummer MIKE JOYCE.

A source revealed, however: “It has looked impossible in the past but suddenly it all looks like it could happen.

“The buzz around the people who used to work for the band is they could play Coachella for a ludicrous amount of money. It’s closer than it ever has been.

“The split was a messy affair, but time’s a healer.”

IRVING AZOFF is being credited with making the band reconsider their position on a comeback.

Earlier this year Morrissey hired the former MCA records head — recognised as one of the most powerful figures in music — to manage him.

I understand his involvement is playing a big part in tempting the band to hook up.

The Smiths ruled the alternative scene in the mid-Eighties but guitar god Marr’s 1987 walkout signalled the end of their five years as a group.

Then ten years ago drummer Joyce successfully sued song-writers Morrissey and Marr for unpaid royalties and shortly afterwards the quiff-sporting frontman said he would have nothing to do with a reunion.

He insisted: “I’d rather eat my own testicles than reform The Smiths — and that’s saying something coming from a vegetarian.”

But the influence of Azoff might mean Morrissey has to polish his carving knife.

A comeback gig would work. What’s great about the lads’ brilliantly miserable hits is that you can never be too old to moan.

I know someone else who would relish a Smiths reunion.

Can you imagine that iconic riff from How Soon Is Now echoing around the green fields of Glastonbury on a late June evening?

MICHAEL EAVIS pull out your finger — and your chequebook.

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