This is Leicestershire --*Leicester Tigers* are set to step up their efforts to sign Gloucester's Freddie Burns as club captain Toby Flood is expected to make a move to France this summer.
Flood, 28, has been touted by several clubs across the Channel, and Top 14 giants Toulouse are favourites to capture his signature.
Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill has already stated that the club have been scouting for a possible replacement, mentioning Gloucester's Freddie Burns and Llanelli Scarlets' Rhys Priestland as targets.
Although the international release of Priestland may be a sticking point for his signing, there would be nothing in the way of Burns if he decided to leave Kingsholm and come to Welford Road next season.
Burns has endured a difficult few weeks at Gloucester. His own form has suffered in a squad that has misfired.
They are languishing in 10th place in the Aviva Premiership table and are struggling to stay in Europe after last weekend's home defeat by Edinburgh.
The Cherry & Whites' decision to leave him on the bench for this weekend's game with Worcester was an illustration of how the relationship between Burns and director of rugby Nigel Davies has been affected by transfer speculation.
Burns, however, flourished last season and earned himself a regular place in the England set-up after going on as a substitute in the famous victory against the All Blacks.
The 23-year-old was lauded as the most talented fly-half in the country having developed his skills at Gloucester under the likes of Kiwi Carlos Spencer.
And, if he chose to join Leicester, he would work behind one of Europe's best packs, giving his prodigious talents a chance to shine.
Tigers' chances of landing Priestland seem limited by the international player release controversy that cost Northampton a £60,000 fine from Premier Rugby.
Premier Rugby do not allow internationals to be released outside of the official IRB Test window. Northampton's decision to let George North do just that cost them dearly, and Priestland is likely to be a big part of Wales coach Warren Gatland's plans for the 2015 World Cup.
Gatland will want Priestland to stay in Wales, but the current shambolic row between the Welsh regions and the Wales Rugby Union may encourage him to leave. Reported by This is 5 hours ago.