RUCK sources suggest that Bath are at the front of the queue to sign sensational London Irish speedster Henry Arundell if he becomes available.
The Exiles, who have debts of more than £30million, were set a deadline of May 30 by the Rugby Football Union to prove that they have completed an approved takeover, or provide evidence that they have the funds to complete next season.
However, Irish are set now to be granted an extra week by the RFU to complete a takeover of the club.
The Exiles owners have been in protracted talks with an American consortium over the sale of the Premiership side
Mick Crossan, who took over the club in 2013, met last month's payroll just as players were preparing to hand in breach of contract notices, which would have allowed them to leave the club in the event their wages went unpaid.
Nevertheless, it's been reported that players are already being linked with moves away from the Premiership club.
While some players are likely to secure new contracts in the coming weeks, others have taken matters into their own hands by reaching out to clubs directly through personal calls and emails.
RUCK understands that Bath, who have previously signed England stars Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and Joe Cokanasiga from the Exiles, are the front-runner to sign Arundell.
Tom Pearson is also thought to have numerous admirers throughout the division.
Mail Online predict the entire England 2023 Rugby World Cup squad
With under six months to go, the Mail Online have had a go at predicting who will make Steve Borthwick's England Rugby World Cup squad.
In their article, they ran through every position and assessed options in every position, highlighting those who look certain picks, probable picks and outside chances - provided the players in question are fit come selection time at the end of August.
There were a number of surprises omissions, including Joe Marchant, Billy Vunipola, Ben Earl and the in-form Tom Pearson.
Check out their full selection below:
MAIL ONLINE'S PREDICTED WORLD SQUAD:
FULlBACK: Freddie Steward
Freddie Steward of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
WING: Henry Arundell, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Max Malins, Anthony Watson
Henry Arundell of London Irish during the Gallagher Premiership match between London Irish and Bath Rugby at The Gtech Community Stadium, London on 1 October 2022 (Photo: Danny Loo/PPAUK)
CENTRE: Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi
A frustrated Ollie Lawrence of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
FLY-HALF: Owen Farrell, George Ford, Marcus Smith
Owen Farrell, Captain of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
SCRUM-HALF: Alex Mitchell, Jack van Poortvleit, Ben Youngs
Alex Mitchell of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Harlequins and Northampton Saints at Twickenham Stadium on 27 December 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
HOOKER: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George, Jack Walker
Exeter Chiefs player Luke Cowan-Dickie during the warm up before Gallagher Premiership Match between Wasps and Exeter Chiefs at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on October 16th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK
LOOSEHEAD PROP: Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, Mako Vunipola
Ellis Genge of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
TIGHTHEAD PROP: Dan Cole, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart
Kyle Sinckler of England looks to offload during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
SECOND ROW: Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, David Ribbans
A frustrated Maro Itoje of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
FLANKER: Tom Curry, Lewis Ludlam, Jack Willis
Jack Willis of England during the England Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium, London on 24 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
No 8: Alex Dombrandt, Sam Simmonds
