LEICESTER have started the search for a lock after Tomas Lavanini was ruled out of action until the start of next year.
Lavanini needs an operation on the syndesmosis injury that he suffered in their Challenge Cup defeat to Toulon last weekend.
The Tigers want a ball carrying No.4 with a ‘significent physical presence' to join the club to cover while Lavanini is recovering.
They are also still in the market for another loosehead and have been looking at options in Australia and South Africa.
Meanwhile, Tigers have asked for another extension before deciding if they will fight a £750,000 legal claim brought against them by five former players.
Noel Reid, Greg Bateman, Telusa Veainu, Kyle Eastmond and Manu Tuilagi all had their contracts terminated in July after refusing to take a 25 per cent pay cut.
The quintet launched a legal action against the club and were due to find out last Tuesday if the club were going to settle or go to court. Tigers have asked for more time to make up their minds.
