The Ospreys have emerged as the favourites to sign former Wales squad member James Ratti from Cardiff.
Ratti was offered a contract by Cardiff but decided to turn it down, and WalesOnline understands he is likely to join their Welsh rivals.
At 6ft 4in and 120kg Ratti is a powerful ball carrier who can play both at lock, and in the back-row.
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All four regions were interested in signing Ratti, but the Ospreys have got their noses in front.
The 25-year-old was a member of Wayne Pivac's Wales squad last season for the Six Nations and the summer tour of South Africa but remains uncapped. Should he complete his move he will add depth to what is already a powerful Ospreys pack.
Toby Booth's side will be without the majority of their first choice pack for large parts of the season due to the Rugby World Cup, and the Six Nations, which means Ratti would be a valuable member of the squad.
The man from Dunvant, Swansea, began his career with the Ospreys but found opportunities few and far between so ended up moving to the Arms Park where he has spent the previous three seasons.
He has made an impression in the Welsh capital with his no nonsense approach, physical presence, and carrying game catching the eye.
But he has opted to leave, and the Ospreys are very keen to bring him back home.
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