Saracens are closing in on agreeing terms to a new contract with skipper Owen Farrell, below, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Farrell, who last week announced that he would be missing this season’s Six Nations, is also believed to be considering opting out of the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand as well.

But Blindside understands that Farrell, who is keen on playing for the Lions in 2025 and for England at the next World Cup, will be keeping his status as the Premiership champions’ marquee player.

Farrell, who signed his last deal with Saracens in 2019, is believed t...