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Jonny May is close to leaving Gloucester for Leicester in a sensational deal that would see lock Ed Slater move the other way.

Gloucestershire Live understands that the Tigers are prepared to buy England wing May out of the final year of his contract and he looks set to join the club in time for the new season.

Gloucester have been reluctant to let May leave but are thought to be long-term admirers of 28-year-old former Leicester club captain Slater and the two players could swap clubs.

Both clubs are looking to re-mould their squads under new head coaches with Matt O’Connor taking over at Leicester towards the end of last season and Johan Ackermann joining Gloucester once he finishes his Super Rugby commitments with the Lions.

After offloading South African wing JP Pietersen and centre Peter Betham, Leicester have made room in their squad and budget to bring in reinforcements, making May their top target.

Saracens are also thought to be interested but Leicester have moved quickly to try and secure May’s signature a year before his deal at Gloucester expires.

The 27-year-old came through Gloucester’s academy and he has scored 62 tries in 138 appearances.

He returned from a career-threatening knee injury last October, helping Gloucester reach the European Challenge Cup final, and he finished the season in sparkling form, scoring five tries in the final three games.

While Gloucester fans will be desperate not to lose May, the arrival of Slater would at least soften the blow.

Gloucester have put an emphasis on bolstering a front five that struggled in the set piece last season and 6ft 5in imposing lock Slater fits the bill as someone who is also seen as a leader.

He is also able to play at flanker or number eight, giving Gloucester more options in the forward pack.

Slater has played four times for England Saxons but is yet to win a senior cap despite being involved in squads on a few occasions, narrowly failing to make the cut for the last World Cup, and captaining his country against Crusaders on the 2014 summer tour to New Zealand.

He was named Leicester club captain ahead for the 2014-15 season before Tom Youngs took over in 2016.

Gloucester only have four senior recognised locks in their squad for next season at the moment in Jeremy Thrush, Tom Savage, Mariano Galarza and Tom Denton and it is a key area for their recruitment.

While May would be a big loss, Gloucester added depth to their back three by bringing in Jason Woodward from Bristol to supplement other options of Tom Marshall, Charlie Sharples, David Halaifonua, Henry Purdy and Ollie Thorley.