Wales and Scarlets wing George North could be set to make a move to Saints this summer.
The King’s Lynn-born 20-year-old, who helped Wales beat England 30-3 on Saturday to claim the Six Nations title, has one year remaining on his deal at Scarlets.
But the RaboDirect PRO12 outfit are understood to be willing to let North leave in exchange for a fee rather than losing him for nothing next summer.
Saints have already raided Wales for a key signing, completing a deal for Ospreys scrum-half Kahn Fotuali’i, and North could become the latest player to move across the border.
Northampton boss Jim Mallinder was asked at a recent fans’ forum which player in world rugby he would most like to sign, replying ‘a big, strong winger’.
And at 6ft 4in and 17st North would certainly fit the bill, with his bulldozing style seeing him score 12 tries in just 31 Test appearances for his country.
When asked to comment on the possibility of the player moving to Franklin’s Gardens, a Saints spokesperson said: “Northampton Saints does not comment on speculation.”