MARCUS SMITH is set to give Harlequins a boost by agreeing a new contract to stay at the Twickenham Stoop beyond the summer.
Smith, who celebrates his 22nd birthday later this month, is out of contract at the end of the season, but Blindside understands talks about a new one are set for a successful conclusion.
The Manila-born fly-half, who was educated at Brighton College, made his debut in September 2017 against London Irish in the London doubleheader.
Smith, who is closing in on 100 appearances for Quins, was a member of Eddie Jones' wider training squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
He has turned down a lucrative approach from Lyon who had wanted him to replace Jonathan Wisniewski, who is also out of contract this summer.
But a move to the Top 14 would have spelt the end of his England ambitions while there has been interest in him from the Premiership.
Bath have also been linked despite signing South African Tian Schoeman on an 18-month deal.
Newcastle Falcons also approached, but Smith, a stand-out performer for Quins this season, is ready to pledge his future to the Twickenham Stoop.
NEIL FISSLER
