French rugby magazine Midi Olimpique are reporting that Northampton have jumped to the front of the queue in the race to sign Ian Madigan.

The same outlet broke the news that Madigan was asking to be released from the final year of his contract at Bordeaux Begles.

According to the report, the Saints have offered the Dubliner a £500k-a-year deal.

Northampton are seeking to fill a gap in their squad given the imminent departure of JJ Hanrahan, who is returning to Munster after a two-year stint at Franklin's Gardens.

Madigan expressed an interest in returning to Ireland next year, which would catapult him back into Joe Schmidt's view, but after Connacht appeared to turn down any move for him, it seems highly unlikely that he will return here next season.

Online Editors