Cardiff Blues have their sights set on signing Welsh international prop Nicky Smith from the Ospreys.
The Arms Park outfit are in the market for a loosehead with highly-rated youngster Rhys Carre having agreed to join Saracens .
And the 28-cap Smith would certainly fit the bill for them as they look to strengthen their front five.
He is out of contract at the Ospreys at the end of this season and it's been reported he has turned down the offer of a new deal there.
He has been linked with Gallagher Premiership clubs Sale, Gloucester and Newcastle, with Sale believed to be leading that chase.
But if he moves to England, he wouldn't be able to continue playing for Wales under the WRU 60-cap rule.
He would have to join another Welsh region to figure in the World Cup and beyond.
The Dragons are thought to be interested in him and now the Blues have confirmed they are eager to secure his services.
Smith, who played in four of Wales' Six Nations matches during the Grand Slam, would be a valuable addition to John Mulvihill's squad.
The 25-year-old is a strong scrummager, good around the field and excellent over the ball, which would certainly fit in with the Blues' jackaling game-plan.
Signing Smith would also be a timely boost for them following Gareth Anscombe's decision to join the Ospreys , along with Carre's departure for Sarries.
It's understood the Blues will be meeting him this week with the hope of finalising a deal.
Chief executive Richard Holland said: "The front five is an area that we are looking to strengthen for next season.
"Nicky is a quality international prop and he is someone our rugby department are looking at closely."
If Smith does sign for the Blues, he would be the third Grand Slam winner to join them, following on from back three duo Josh Adams and Hallam Amos.
