The rumours that Chris Ashton could make an unexpected return to the Gallagher Premiership will just not go away.
The first stories suggesting he could return to English shores appeared last week with it reported that the former Northampton Saints and Saracens winger was trying to secure a release from his Toulon contract early despite a record breaking first season on the south coast.
But despite the Top 14 club categorically saying he’d not be leaving the club, French newspaper Midi Olympique suggested in an article that Sale Sharks, who recently missed out on Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, are trying work on a dream to sign the former England international.
With three International wingers already contracted to Sale, Ashton appears to be seen as a fullback replacement for the Sharks – having played there for much of his time in France.