Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers are reportedly leading the pack of suitors believed to be vying for the signature of Bath and England winger Anthony Watson.
It first emerged towards the end of 2021 that Watson, 28, had allegedly decided the 'time is right' to end his nine-year spell at The Rec. That news naturally led to a swell of interest in the 51-cap England speedster, with Wasps, Sale Sharks and former employers London Irish among those linked with his services.
Rumours of a departure have since cooled, which may have been influenced by news that Munster head coach Johann van Graan is set to take over as Bath boss next season. However, uncertainty still reigns over Watson's future, and the Daily Mail have reported that Leicester look most likely to lure the star out of Somerset.
The two-time British and Irish Lions tourist had been heavily linked with a return to London Irish, whom he left to join Bath in 2013. However, former Scotland lock Jim Hamilton told The Rugby Pod co-hosts Andy Goode and Andy Rowe that move may not be possible because the club "didn't have the dollar."
Wasps are also seemingly feeling the pinch of the Premiership's changing regulations, with star names Vaea Fifita, Thomas Young, Malakai Fekitoa and Jimmy Gopperth all leaving this summer. From next season, the salary cap budget will temporarily shrink from £6.4million to £5m, while clubs will also be permitted only one player exempt from the cap, as opposed to the current two-player allowance.
A move north might make sense for Watson, too, considering older brother Marcus is already based at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Sale are also a tempting prospect given Alex Sanderson's side have already recruited England stars George Ford and Jonny Hill, but the recent signing of Exeter wing Tom O'Flaherty could end any Watson interest.
Which Premiership club would be the best fit for Watson is he leaves Bath? Let us know in the comments section.
Leicester may well be the most tantalising project, however, especially given Steve Borthwick's men are currently 12 points clear at the Premiership summit. A 22-17 win over the Chiefs at Sandy Park on Sunday guaranteed the club a place in the play-offs with four games to spare.
Chris Ashton scored twice in that visit to draw level with Tom Varndell as the Premiership's joint-highest try-scorer of all time (92). The 35-year-old former England regular moved to Welford Road in February on a short-term contract, but Borthwick may be tempted to extend that agreement if current form continues.
Ford is set to leave for Sale and will be replaced by 2019 Rugby World Cup -winner, South Africa star Handre Pollard, Leicester's only planned summer signing thus far. Watson is currently recovering from a long-term knee injury but could make for another blockbuster acquisition in the event he does head for the Bath exit.
