Western Morning News

Exeter linked to Saints winger

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EXETER Chiefs and Saracens are set to go to battle once again, but not on the rugby pitch but in the transfer market as the two great rivals go head-to-head to sign Northampto­n Saints emerging star Ollie Sleighthol­me.

Sleighthol­me, 22, is out of contract at his hometown club Northampto­n at the end of the season having started the campaign in impressive form with five tries already as his star continues to rise.

The Rugby Paper reports Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has put former England U20s star Sleighthol­me’s name on their list as a possible replacemen­t for Jack Nowell should the 29-yearold British and Irish Lion and England internatio­nal leave the club at the end of his current contract at Sandy Park which also expires in June.

Nowell has publicly stated his desire to stay at Chiefs but as of yet a deal at the right price for each party appears to still be unresolved.

Speaking to The Telegraph last month, Nowell said: Nowell said: “I won’t go to another Premiershi­p side. I want to stay at Exeter, but I’m out of contract, there’s stuff going on with the salary cap and I’ve got a growing family. And I’ll be 30 after the World Cup. I’m in talks with the club at the moment; ideally I’d stay but I’m not too sure what’s going on. The first thing for me is my family.

“My only option if I’m in England is to stay. France, Japan... I went out to Japan for the World Cup - it was an amazing country. I’d like to give Japan a go over France but, obviously, anything could happen.”

Chiefs have seen significan­t wing talent depart the club in recent years with British and Irish Lions internatio­nal Alex Cuthbert leaving for Ospreys only to rekindle his internatio­nal career at the age of 32 and Tom O’Flaherty moving to Sale Sharks.

Saracens are in the market for wingers due to their experience­d internatio­nals Sean Maitland and Alex Goode both turning 35 before the end of the season.

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