The Dragons are targeting Exeter’s Welsh-qualified forward Sean Lonsdale, according to reports.
While born in Manchester, the 24-year-old is eligible for Wales through his mother.
He has further Welsh roots, having been educated at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, going on to play for RGC 1404, taking a starring role in their promotion to the Premiership in the 2015-16 campaign.
The young second row’s potential was spotted by Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter.
And, in 2016, Baxter took him to Sandy Park, despite the efforts of RGC and the Welsh Rugby Union to keep him in Wales.
Dual-registered with Championship side Cornish Pirates, Lonsdale had spells out on loan at Taunton and Plymouth Albion.
In recent years, he has proved a valuable member of Exeter’s first-team squad, bringing a hard-hitting edge at both lock and in the back row.
He has made 57 appearances for the Devon club in all, sharing in their Premiership and Champions Cup trophy triumphs.
According to the Rugby Paper, the Dragons have lined up a move to bring him to Rodney Parade when his contract runs out at the end of this season.
They report he is understood to be close to agreeing terms with director of rugby Dean Ryan.
So what exactly are Lonsdale's strengths?
Well here are the thoughts of Exeter's forwards coach Rob Hunter.
"Sean is a clever bloke and clever rugby player," he told the BBC.
"He's a stop tackler, so when he hits people they stay hit.
"He does glue the team together a little bit and there's always places for those sort of guys who do just glue things together.
"He makes the clear-outs, he's a very high numbers player. He's a good line-out jumper, he's bigger and stronger than you think when you get close to him and he's quicker than you think.
"He is very much the quiet guy in the background, but he does allow the people around him to play."
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