Ireland, Leinster and Lions prop Jack McGrath has initiated talks over a sensational switch to Ulster, the Belfast Telegraph understands.

The 29-year-old, who appeared in three Tests for the Lions in 2017, is still under a central contract for next season meaning any negotiations are between the player and IRFU rather than the provinces.

Having not been selected for his side's Champions Cup clash against Toulouse last month, McGrath lost his place in the Ireland matchday 23 for the opening two rounds of the Six Nations, with recent minutes no doubt a huge factor.

He did come off the bench in the win over Italy last week but it is believed his new place in the pecking order has him nearing an RDS Arena exit.

Should he get his apparent wish, it would represent an ideal scenario for Ulster.

The Kingspan Stadium outfit have been on the hunt for a loosehead but, with only Iain Henderson's deal at present being picked up by the IRFU next season, finances are understandably a potential stumbling block in the search.

Not only would McGrath almost certainly be a better player than any they could pick up on the open market, but the bill would still be D4's.

Belfast Telegraph