FRENCH gun-for-hire Frederic Michalak is a potential target for the Queensland Reds as they search the world for an experienced flyhalf to replace Quade Cooper next year.

Monday’s announcement that former All Blacks backrower Adam Thomson is leaving the Reds to take up a one-year deal with the go-ahead Melbourne Rebels is the certain sign the club is hunting for an import to play No. 10.

With Wallaby Cooper seemingly set on a contract course to pursue rugby sevens and a shot at the Olympics next year in Rio de Janeiro, the Reds are desperate to find an experienced playmaker to fill the void.

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Thomson, 33, ably filled the marquee import slot for the Reds during their recent poor season but with only one allowed there was no room if the Reds set a course to find a new No. 10.

If the Reds are to re-enter negotiations with Cooper, as they should, to rejoin his long-time club for the 2017 season, a one-season solution for next year at flyhalf is needed.

A proven five-eighth like Michalak is needed and his name has been discussed in Reds circles.

The 71-Test veteran has an Australian wife which makes the potential for a Super Rugby season in Queensland more appealing and he has a track record of adventuring with previous stints for the Sharks (2008 and 2011-12) in South Africa.

Michalak is in the French squad for the Rugby World Cup as a versatile flyhalf-halfback option but has wriggle room after the tournament to leave French giants Toulon where he plays with Wallabies Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.

South Africa’s former Springbok flyhalf Peter Grant is on the open market but he is a kick-first type strongly linked with joining the Western Force.

Former Wallaby flyhalf Berrick Barnes was sounded out at his Japanese club early in the year about the possibility of acting as a short-term fill-in when Cooper was injured in the pre-season but the Reds have made no recent contact.

The Reds are hamstrung on signing a flyhalf because of the drawn-out top-to-bottom review of Reds operations which still leaves the future of coach Richard Graham in limbo five weeks after the end of the team’s dire four-win season.

It would be ridiculous to sign an overseas flyhalf who didn’t fit the head coach’s attacking ideas, which is the frustrating picture because no call has been made on Graham or a possible successor like Matt O’Connor.

Youngster Jake McIntyre is a fine back-up flyhalf to keep developing but the Reds need some bang at No. 10 to organise the show post-Cooper.

The Reds were keen, at one point, to keep the productive Thomson for next season but the shift on Quade Cooper’s future dictated otherwise.

The Rebels are on a winner with Thomson to replace Japan-bound No. 8 Scott Higginbotham.

“It was a pleasure pulling on the Reds jersey and becoming part of such a proud club,” Thomson said.

“At this stage of my career, I wanted to continue to play rugby at a high level and it was important to be in an environment that best fits my needs and feel can get the best out of me.

“The style they play and the direction the club is heading is exciting. I think my game will fit well with the Rebels and allow me to play some quality football, which I am still very much driven to do.”