Tuesday 11 October 2016 13:27, UK
Saracens are in talks to sign South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth on a short-term deal after the November internationals.
Negotiations to take the outstanding 24-year-old enforcer - one of the world's most feared forwards - to Allianz Park, are ongoing and the Aviva Premiership champions hope to clinch the deal by the end of this week.
Etzebeth has one year remaining on his Stormers contract and will be treading a similar path to last year when he spent a short-term spell at NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan after the World Cup.
However, it is understood there are misgivings at Western Province Rugby over the prospect of one of South Africa's most prized assets missing another off-season.
Saracens are seeking a replacement for second row Alistair Hargreaves, who was forced to retire last week due to concussion.
The double winners already have England's first choice lock pairing of George Kruis and Maro Itoje in their armoury.
"It's not the easiest time of year to find someone who is out or contract or eligible or available. We're looking but haven't found our man yet," Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said last Thursday when asked about a replacement for Hargreaves.
"It's important because we expect Maro and George not to be here in November. Kelly Brown is very willing so he might end up there."
