Ospreys strongman Dmitri Arhip has reportedly agreed a deal to join Montpellier for next season.

The Moldova international is out of contract at the end of this campaign and is said to have lined up a switch to the Top 14.

Reports in the French press say Montpellier have already moved to secure the tight-head’s services for 2018-19.

The Ospreys have yet to comment, but if they were to lose Arhip it would be a significant blow, with the region having invested significant time and effort in developing the 28-year-old since recruiting him in 2012.

They have three other tight-heads in Brian Mujati, Ma’afu Fia and Rhodri Jones, but Arhip offers something different with his work around the park, ability to scrummage and raw power.

He has recently moved house and is settled at the Ospreys, but Montpellier now have Vern Cotter as their coach and are keen to build their squad.

Arhip has been troubled by a shoulder injury since suffering a dislocation playing against Grenoble last December.