Manual Update to use jQuery instead of batch?

Is it possible to get the update module to allow for a manual check for updates which utilizes jQuery calls from client's browser directly to the Drupal server (instead of a php batch call)?

I've got a system which can not access the Internet unless it is ran using a user which has permission access to the Internet (which we are not allowed to allow).
I'd like to be able to have Drupal check online for updates to core modules and contributed modules via a client browser which does have access to the Internet.

I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction to create a module which would add this feature.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!