Leicester Tigers playmaker George Ford has been linked with a shock departure from Welford Road next summer, according to The Rugby Paper.
Montpellier head coach Philippe Saint-Andre is looking for a new fly-half for next season and has a considerable budget to do so.
The Rugby Paper suggest the 28-year-old, who has been dropped by England boss Eddie Jones, has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the club early if he wanted.
Despite Ford being on the French sides shortlist, it’s believed they’d only be able to offer him in the region of £300,000 due to £1m they’re already spending on Springbok fly-half Handre Pollard.
This likely won’t be enough to tempt Ford away on this occasion, but based on current Premiership form you’d imagine more and more clubs will start making him offers.
DID YOU KNOW? George Ford is the son of former England defence coach Mike Ford. His older brother Joe was also a professional rugby player
EDITORS PICKS:
- Will Greenwood pick his England XV and bench
- The full list of players Eddie Jones has fell out with and why…
- John Mitchell reveals full story behind fall out with Eddie Jones
- LIST: 5 rugby players you didn’t know were still playing
- How the England XV would look with Warren Gatland in charge
“I might be a good fit” – 4 other disgruntled England stars linked with move overseas
#1. Billy & Mako Vunipola
The Saracens and England forwards have on more than one previous occasion dismissed similar suggestions – but nonetheless the rumours persist.
French sports newspaper Midi Olympique wrote: “Two of the best-known internationals still playing could be making an imminent departure to France.
Embed from Getty Images“Mako and Billy Vunipola are coming to the end of their contracts with Saracens and are ignored by Eddie Jones.
“Their CVs have recently been submitted to Top 14 clubs and some contacts may already have been made.
“The name Vunipola comes up repeatedly at Bordeaux Bègles. Billy Vunipola matches the profile sought to succeed Louis Picamoles and become the new spearhead of the Girondin (an area around Bordeaux) pack.”