Western Force is keen to sign James O’Connor from Sale Sharks, according to Neil Fissler’s column in The Rugby Paper.
The former Australia international has struggled with a succession of injuries since he joined the Premiership side from Toulon on a three-year deal in 2017.
It seems unlikely that the Sharks want to offload the versatile back as they have made every effort to improve the quality of their squad to compete for trophies next season.
Director of rugby Steve Diamond has brought in eight players so far, six of whom are South African – Jake Cooper-Woolley (Wasps), Rob du Preez, Akker van der Merwe, Coenie Oosthuizen (all from Sharks in Super Rugby), Lood de Jager (Bulls).