Hogg could land record Top 14 deal

STUART HOGG could become the highest-paid European player in history next year in a reunion with former Scotland coach Vern Cotter.

The Glasgow full-back is out of contract before the World Cup and it is understood French clubs are already expressing an interest in a “seven-figure” deal.

No British player has ever commanded over £1million and The Mail on Sunday understands Hogg could be keen on a reunion with Cotter at Montpellier. The Top 14 side are bankrolled by billionaire Mohed Altrad, who sponsors the French national team and has the finances to outbid any Scottish offer.

‘It is up to Vern to propose players and it is up to me to say “Yes” or “No”,’ Altrad told The Mail on Sunday. ‘Most of the time I would say “Yes”. Vern has not yet mentioned Hogg to me, but of course we would be interested if it becomes an option. He is an absolutely talented guy.’

Scotland captain John Barclay, meanwhile, has promised veteran France fly-half Lionel Beauxis a tough test at Murrayfield today.

Beauxis, 32, has been recalled to the startling line-up to replace 19-year-old Matthieu Jalibert, who injured his knee in last Saturday’s defeat by Ireland, after a six-year exile.

‘We’ll try to put him under pressure,’ said Barclay. ‘We spoke a bit last week about trying to put Rhys Patchell under pressure but we didn’t really do it. So we’e going to try and bring a lot more linespeed.’