Joe Marler responds to reports of 'move to Leicester Tigers'

The Rolling Maul podcast reported this week that Leicester Tigers are trying to tempt England duo Adam Radwan and Marler to swap their current clubs for Welford Road next season.

Marler confirmed today that signing him would require a transfer fee by revealing on Twitter that he, as ruck reported, has one year left on his current contract.

Bath are also interested in 72-cap Marler according to RUCK sources amid rumours Ben Obano could be preparing to leave The Rec with Tigers and Saracens interested.

However, the black, blue and whites would reportedly have to pay over the odds to bring Marler to the club due to his reluctance to leave London.

The prop would reportedly want in the regions of £400,000 per season to make the switch.

The number 8 recently caught Jones’ eye during an outing against Castres, after which the England head coach said: ‘I had a quick chat with Zach after the game. I am really impressed. 

For a young player who has taken the initiative to go and develop his game in another country is absolutely outstanding. We’re hopeful that he’ll come back and try to fight for a spot in the World Cup squad.’

RUCK understands that Bristol Bears are the current favourites to sign the 2-cap England international with Harlequins and Leicester Tigers also interested.

Likelihood: 6/10

The 27-year-old has proven himself to be one of Welsh rugby's most consistent performers - having captained the west Walians on a number of occasions. Tigers coach Steve Borthwick is on the lookout for a ball-playing centre to complement new marquee signing, Springbok World Cup winner Handre Pollard, it's reported that Hughes - who actually scored against Leicester in pre-season - could be top of the shopping list.

Likelihood: 8/10

Gopperth, who turns 39 in June, has been with Wasps since 2015 and scored the winning points as his current club to end Leicester's 16 game unbeaten run yesterday. A move to Tigers potentially could see the fly-half/centre take up a player/coach role like the one created for fellow veteran, Richard Wigglesworth.

Likelihood: 6/10

Tigers are hoping to bring former England and Lions second row back to the Premiership next season. The 31-year-old has spent the last year playing in Japan for the Saitama Wild Knights following a trophy-laden 11 seasons with Saracens.

Likelihood: 5/10

London-born Obano, 27, is currently sidelined after rupturing his ACL while playing for Bath against Harlequins in October and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Likelihood: 5/10