Breakthrough: Steve Borthwick
(Picture: Getty Images)Twickenham chiefs are finally confident of striking a deal with Leicester to allow Steve Borthwick to become England head coach.
The RFU has been locked in negotiations with Leicester over former England captain Borthwick, ever since sacking Jones last week.
English chiefs went into talks with Leicester hoping for a swift resolution to install Tigers boss Borthwick as a quick replacement for Jones, who was unseated after seven years at the helm.
Leicester’s compensation demands were steeper than RFU expectations, but English bosses are now understood to expect to reach agreement on the release terms for the 43-year-old.
Borthwick remains on course to be in post in time to lead England into the Six Nations, with just nine Tests ahead of next year’s World Cup in France.
Borthwick has remained tight-lipped around his future, only lamenting that he would “love to give clarity” on his situation.
Kevin Sinfield would be primed to take Leicester’s top job should the RFU now fail in an initial bid to prise the former Rugby League star away from Welford Road alongside Borthwick.
England have yet to decide the futures of Jones’ assistants, but Borthwick could be drafted in on top of the existing set-up for next year.
Borthwick knows England’s structures having worked under Jones between 2015 and 2020.
His impending England elevation represents a rapid ascent in just seven years of coaching, but all his former team-mates and bosses had long predicted a move into management.
Borthwick’s love for forensic detail found favour at Saracens as the accomplished lock led lineout planning in Barnet, before his meticulous approach added an accurate edge to England under Jones.
The ex-England skipper has proved his credentials for top roles by leading Leicester to last term’s Premiership crown, but he will have to acclimatise to many extra demands as national boss.
