Russell in talks over Bath move

Finn Russell is reported to be closing in on a big-money move to Bath.

The Scotland fly-half has spent the last four years with Racing 92 in France but is expected to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

A move to Japan had been mooted, but according to reports last night, talks are at an “advanced stage” over a box-office move to Bath, with the Gallagher Premiership side said to be a

“very likely” next destination for the 30-year-old.

Russell would join the West Country club as a marquee player meaning he would be exempt from the salary cap and would likely become their highest earner. His current contract is said to be worth an estimated £850,000 per season.

Russell was at his creative best in Scotland's 52-29 win over Argentina at Murrayfield on Saturday, having been reinstated to the squad after being left out of Gregor Townsend's original autumn selection. He missed the games against Australia and Fiji but returned to face New Zealand and the Pumas.

A move to Bath would see Russell link up with international team-mate Cameron Redpath while also bringing him closer to home ahead of the impending birth of his first child with partner Emma Canning.