Exeter Chiefs hopes of landing talented England U20 fly-half Max Malins have taken a major blow, according to The Rugby Paper.
The 22-year-old Saracens playmaker, who has been strongly linked with a move to Sandy Park, is out of contract at the end of the current Gallagher Premiership season.
However, according to Neil Fissler, Saracens have returned to negotiations with an improved offer and it’s thought the improved deal will be enough to keep Malins at Allianz Park.
Max Malins is more than taking his chances in the Saracens 10 shirt this season. Magic. pic.twitter.com/l9uD8hSnfa
— Linebreak Rugby 👻🎃 (@LinebreakRugby) November 26, 2018
This will be a major blow to Rob Baxter, who was seeking to replace veteran fly-half Gareth Steenson with a player who can come in and make the shirt his own.
If Malins turns down Sarries, it’s thought that Exeter is not his only option with Bristol Bears, Gloucester and Wasps all looking to strengthen in this position.