Sanderson is man Sale want to replace Diamond

ALEX SANDERSON has emerged as a leading contender to take charge of Sale Sharks less than six months after turning down the chance to replace Steve Diamond.

The Rugby Paper understands the Saracens defence coach was in the summer asked by the Sharks to take charge alongside Richard Wigglesworth who is now with Leicester Tigers.

It was proposed that Diamond, who has left the club, would focus on building a new ground.

Those talks fell through, Now Sharks are interested in him again.

Former England back rower Sanderson, 41, who started his career with the Sharks, moved into coaching with Saracens after a back injury in 2005.

He is now in pole position for the job at the AJ Bell Stadium despite being ear-marked by Mark McCall to become his replacement as Saracens’ next director of rugby.

Stuart Lancaster has also been touted as a possible replacement for Diamond but has always said he is settled at Leinster.

Dai Young has been out of the game since leaving Wasps earlier in the year.

Also South African Robert du Preez could be keen on joining his three sons Jean-Luc, Rob and Dan who are all playing for the Sharks.