Transfer Rumours: Launchbury could join Premiership rival

The England lock currently earns £270,000 a year, but the report suggest that Sale Sharks are willing to almost double that by giving him a contract worth £500,000 per annum.

Launchbury is believed to be unhappy with the high-profile departures with the likes of Nathan Hughes joining Bristol while rumours persist over Elliot Daly’s future.