Bristol Bears are reportedly set to once again flex their spending power with a sensational move for Harlequins forward Kyle Sinckler
The Daily Mail report that the Bears will make the 26-year-old tight-head one of the most expensive forwards in England with a deal worth approximately £500,000-a-year.
Whilst Premiership clubs cannot talk to out-of-contract players until January 1, the report says that Sinckler's profile is such that a number of clubs have been primed to pounce for the 31-capped England star.
It is the latest instance of the Bears showing their financial muscle, having also recently pulled off an eye-catching coup to bring Fijian superstar Semi Radradra to the club for next season.
The deal for Sinckler is not guaranteed to happen just yet, but the report says that Quins are running out of time to find the funds within the £7m salary cap to keep him.
Pat Lam is building a formidable side, with another high earner, Charles Piutau, recently signing a two-year deal to stay at the club.
Sinckler is out of contract at Quins at the end of the season and there have been ongoing negotiations over his future, with the club's head of rugby, Paul Gustard, last week admitting he may not be able to keep the player, who impressed with England at this year's World Cup.
"I'd love to pay every single player what they want," Gustard explained.
"It's very hard to do that, there is a salary cap.
"We would love to keep Kyle. I have got one bit of cloth and I have to cut it 45-50 ways."
