GLOUCESTER have emerged as the front runners to tempt England World Cup hero Kyle Sinckler into leaving Harlequins when his contract ends next summer.
Wandsworth-born Sinckler, 26, has been with Quins since he was 12 after being spotted by Academy coach Collin Osborne playing in a school game.
But they are struggling to agree on a new deal with the tight-head who has seen his stock rise after helping England reach the World Cup final in Japan.
Talks have stalled over Sinckler's demands but Gloucester will need to dig deep to tempt him.
He could cost between £450,000 to £500,000 a season.
The British Lions ace who signed his last contract for Quins in October 2016 will officially be allowed to open talks with interested clubs from January 1.
The reality is, however, that club recruitment chiefs make offers on players well in advance of that date.
Gloucester are in the market for a big name tight-head and have put Sinckler at the top of their shopping list.
The Cherry and Whites have Fraser Balmain out of contract next summer and are yet to agree to an extension with him.
The Beast's price is too high for Premiership clubs
SPRINGBOK prop Tendai Mtawarira is unlikely to be heading to the Premiership after leaving the Sharks following his devastating performance against England in the World Cup final.
The Zimbabwe-born Beast, 34, who has won 117 caps for the Springboks after qualifying on residency grounds, is weighing up his next move after going on holiday to Brazil.
Mtawarira, who took Dan Cole to the cleaners in Japan, had been linked with a move to Gloucester after it was announced he was leaving the Durban franchise.
But a source close to the player has told Blindside that Mtawarira, who has business interests in the security industry, is likely to be too expensive for a Premiership club.
He earns £370,000 a year and would want even more to consider extending his career outside South Africa.
NEIL FISSLER
