Leicester Tigers five transfer targets and the likelihood of each signing

Monday, 10 January 2022 at 09:45

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bySteven Smith

LEICESTER TIGERS boss Steve Borthwick is still working on potential signings despite the ongoing salary cap investigation.

The club is currently under investigation by Premiership Rugby's salary cap director, Andrew Rogers, for offences alleged to have taken place between 2016 and 2020.

However, it's business as usual for Borthwick who is trying to strengthen his side after it was confirmed Ellis Genge and George Ford will depart the club this summer to Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks respectively.

Check out five possible targets below.

#1. Jimmy Gopperth from Wasps

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

Wasps player Jimmy Gopperth during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Wasps and Exeter Chiefs at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on October 16th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#2. Steff Hughes from Scarlets

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

Steff Hughes of Scarlets is tackled by Harry Williams of Exeter Chiefs and Jack Yeandle, Captain of Exeter Chiefs during the pre season match between Exeter Chiefs and Scarlets at Sandy Park, Exeter, Devon, Englan on Saturday 13th August, 2016 - Photo mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681-13/08/2016 - SPORT - Rugby - Aviva Premiership - Exeter Chiefs.

#3. Levani Botia from La Rochelle

Tigers have been linked with a move for the Fijian superstar. The 32-year-old has been with Top 14 club La Rochelle since 2014 and is widely considered to be one of the best centres in world rugby.

Likelihood: 7/10

Levani Botia of La Rochelle is tackled by Mark Atkinson of Gloucester Rugby during the Champions Cup Last 16 match between Gloucester Rugby and La Rochelle at Kingsholm Stadium on April 2 2021 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK)

#4. George Kruis from Saitama Wild Knight

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

George Kruis of Saracens arrives during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on June 1 2019. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

#5. Beno Obano from Bath

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