Malakai Fekitoa is reportedly joining Wasps for their next season.

Wasps have announced the departure of former Lions winger Christian Wade after reportedly completing the signing of Malakai Fekitoa.

Wade on Wednesday (Thursday NZ time) confirmed his decision to retire from rugby with immediate effect via a statement from Wasps, meaning the one-time England international can pursue an American football career in NFL.

Fekitoa last year left New Zealand for Toulon on a two-year deal but The Times in the UK have reported that Wasps have captured the former All Blacks centre for their next season.

GETTY IMAGES Christian Wade, who made one appearance for the Lions in 2013, has left Wasps to pursue an NFL contract.

Wade is third, with 82, on the list of tries scored in the English Premiership after his debut in 2011, but the 27-year-old has been constantly overlooked by England since Eddie Jones became coach in 2015.

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"After playing nine years of professional sport for Wasps, I've decided to leave for personal reasons," Wade said in a statement.

GETTY IMAGES Wade only managed one test for England was never selected after Eddie Jones was appointed coach in 2015.

"I would like to thank Wasps chairman Derek Richardson and [director of rugby] Dai [Young] for their support, consideration and understanding in what is the most difficult decision of my life."

Wade's dramatic switch makes him the most high profile English rugby player attempting to successfully convert to American football.

Christian Scotland-Williamson last year left Worcester and is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while former England sevens player Alex Gray captained the Atlanta Falcons during a pre-season match.

Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne sensationally quit league and would earn a contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015, although he left the following year after eight underwhelming NFL appearances.

GETTY IMAGES Fekitoa left New Zealand for Toulon last year.

Wade's one test for England came away to Argentina in 2013 and he was added as injury cover to the Lions squad touring Australia that year, making one appearance against the Brumbies, who won 14-12 in Canberra.

His exit from the Coventry-based club has seemingly prompted Wasps to move for Fekitoa, whose Toulon contract ends at the conclusion of the wealthy French club's season next year.

The 27-year-old played 24 tests for the All Blacks from 2014-17 and was part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2015.

Should Fekitoa join Wasps, he would link up with former Highlanders team-mate Lima Sopoaga and ex-Hurricanes captain Brad Shields.