Toulon have reportedly joined the scramble for the signature of Wales international Liam Williams.
The Ospreys are leading the chase to bring the Waunarlwydd RFC product home to Welsh rugby.
But, according to The Rugby Paper , three-time European champions Toulon have made the Lions and Wales full-back an offer for next season.
Williams joined Saracens from the Scarlets in 2017, with his three-year deal due to expire at the end of this season.
He has been an unqualified success in London, helping them to a European Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership double last season.
But the 28-year-old is believed to be keen on a return home and the Ospreys want to accommodate him.
The move is being held up by an issue over Williams’ valuation within Welsh rugby’s pay structure.
The top 38 players are subject to assessments from a panel, with negotiations and appeals usually following.
It is believed that in Williams’ case, his value is disputed to the point where it could jeopardise his return to Wales, with his representatives said to believe he is worth more than the figures passed their way.
The Ospreys’ hands are understood to be tied, with regions not allowed to pay top-ups under the system.
But the appeal process over Williams is said to be ongoing and questions would be asked if the regional game failed to give itself a lift by missing the opportunity to lure home a world-class player who doubles up as a fans’ favourite.
None of which will bother Toulon and their multi-millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal one jot.
He is no stranger to making big-name signings, with Eben Etzebeth, Sergio Parisse and Baptiste Serin among the 17 players Toulon signed ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, two of them on short-term deals.
Boudjellal also has Wales international Rhys Webb on his books.
Williams’ flair and counter-attacking skills would appeal to the comic-book magnate’s penchant for X-factor players who do things a bit differently.
But the Ospreys hope the pull of home will appeal to Williams, while the Scarlets, who have Leigh Halfpenny coming out of contract this summer, are said to be monitoring the situation.
Williams could face a three-month layoff after injuring an ankle in training during the Rugby World Cup.
His club Saracens are under investigation for alleged salary cap breaches with a verdict expected this week. Bad news for the Allianz Park outfit could lead to them to review their player budget.
