Bristol Bears centre Sam Bedlow is being chased by his former club the Sale Sharks, according to the latest reports.
Inside centre has been something of a trouble position for the Bears since former Tonga captain Siale Piutau left the club in the summer of 2021 for Japan, following his departure 27-year-old Bedlow has established himself as director of rugby Pat Lam’s regular first-choice option in the 12 jersey.
READ MORE: Bristol Bears player ratings from rampant win over Sale Sharks - 'Lit up the stadium'
Bedlow, who can also play at fly-half, has a monster boot and is a brick wall in defence which has seen him win favour with Lam to make 58 first-team appearances for the club to date; but he has a limited capacity in attack and is competing for a place in the starting XV with Piers O’Conor, Ioan Lloyd and summer signing James Williams, who are all more dangerous with ball in hand, if a little lightweight in a position where big powerful runners dominante around the Premiership.
The Rugby Paper reports Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson is keen on bringing Bedlow, where his brother Joe currently plays, back to the AJ Bell Stadium ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Bedlow, who is currently out injured, first signed a senior contract at with Bristol in February 2019 having spent two seasons in the club's Academy after joining the Bears from Sale ahead of the 2017/18 season.
Bury-born Bedlow appears to be a potential replacement for former Exeter Chiefs centre Sam Hill who is reported to be leaving Sale at the end of the season. England star Manu Tuilagi has also been heavily linked with an exit from the Manchester club with Racing 92. Toulon and Toulouse all reported to be interested in landing the 31-year-old powerhouse.
Bristol Bears are understood to have already signed an additional centre ahead of the 2023/24 season, with Fijian superstar Semi Radradra also expected to leave the club at the conclusion of his current contract which expires in June.
Radradra, who is currently a marquee player at the Bears meaning his wages sit outside the £5m salary cap, is expected to join French Top 14 side Lyon having toured the club’s facilities last month.
