Lyon are reportedly ready to sign All Blacks star Jordie Barrett, with the French club keen to bring the centre to the Top 14.
According to Midi Olympique, Lyon are looking to make a major statement in the transfer market as they look to build on their promising start to the season.
The French side had previously been linked with a move for Damian McKenzie, but their attention now appears to have turned towards Barrett.
Lyon have room within their salary cap and are keen to bring in a high-profile addition. While discussions remain at an early stage, the move could prove attractive to both parties.
Barrett, born in 1997, is a New Zealand international who primarily operates at centre and fullback.
He made his All Blacks debut against Samoa in 2017 and has since earned 86 caps, scoring 304 points.
The versatile back has also represented Canterbury, Taranaki and Leinster, joining the Irish province for the 2024/25 season.
During his time in Dublin, he helped Leinster lift the 2025 United Rugby Championship title before returning to the Hurricanes, where he won the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific crown.
He has also featured at two Rugby World Cups, winning a silver medal in 2023.
Lyon currently sit fifth in the Top 14, level on points with fourth-placed Montpellier. Despite boasting a strong squad, they are seemingly keen to add a major name who could become the face of the club.
A Midi Olympique source reportedly said: "Yes, Lyon dreams of signing him, but the player would be worth much more in Japan.
"Lyon will have to play it safe and, in particular, be in a position to qualify for the next Champions Cup fairly quickly. They will also succeed with strong sporting performances."
However, Lyon are not the only club hoping to secure Barrett's signature, with Bristol Bears also pushing to bring him to England.
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An update suggests that negotiations over a potential move to Bristol are progressing very well.
The Bears are particularly ambitious, with the club's management keen to reunite Jordie with his brothers, Scott and Beauden, at Ashton Gate.
That ambition could prove a major obstacle for Lyon, who now face competition from Bristol in their pursuit of the New Zealand international.
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Who should start for the All Blacks in the Nations Championship?
With competition heating up across the squad, Dave Rennie faces some huge selection decisions ahead of the November internationals.
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