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Wasps are set to go head to head with the Scarlets for Leigh Halfpenny’s signature, with Cardiff Blues losing the battle to reclaim their former star.

The Wales and Lions full-back is expected to end his time with Toulon after two seasons with the French club next summer.

But while it is hoped poster boy Halfpenny will return to the Welsh game on a WRU dual contract, resurgent English club Wasps are trying to lure him to the Aviva Premiership.

WalesOnline understands Halfpenny has yet to make up his mind where he goes next, but could decide within a fortnight.

And we have been told he is extremely unlikely to return to his old side the Blues, even though the Arms Park region have been very vocal in their determination to bring him home.

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Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac has admitted he would like to talk to Halfpenny , but Wasps are formidable opponents in the fight for one of the most coveted players in the northern hemisphere game.

Any move to the former European champions would mean a reunion for Halfpenny with head coach Dai Young, who first brought the player through in the senior game during his time in charge of the Blues.

Young is on the lookout for reinforcements at full-back with All Black Charles Piutau, who shone in their terrific Champions Cup victories against Leinster and Toulon, leaving for Ulster at the end of the season.

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The progress Wasps are making and the increased financial muscle the club boasts under the ambitious ownership of Derek Richardson and following their move to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena will also appeal, as will the likelihood that Young’s men will preserve their status in the elite European competition via the Premiership.

A switch to Wasps would see Halfpenny captured by so-called Gatland’s Law and he would not enjoy full international release under regulations which govern non-English stars in the Premiership.

With only three wildcards available to Warren Gatland next season, there could be a knock-on effect for other Wales players with Jamie Roberts captured at Harlequins and uncertainty surrounding the situation of Luke Charteris, on his way to Bath, and George North, who is staying at Northampton.

It could all be further complicated depending on what Alun Wyn Jones and Rhys Webb decide to do, with both Ospreys stars the subject of interest among English and French clubs.

But having played in such high profile company at Toulon, Halfpenny is believed to be prepared to remain outside of the Welsh game if the environment is right.

He knows too that in Young he would be playing for a coach who will back him to the hilt.

However the Scarlets may yet be in with a shout of pulling off a coup that would leave the Blues stunned.

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Halfpenny has strong ties to the area, still having a house in nearby Gorseinon and family in Llanelli.

If the West Walians keep hold of dual-contracted Scott Williams, they will boast a star-studded back-line also containing Liam Williams, the returning Jonathan Davies and World Cup scrum-half Gareth Davies.

Halfpenny has the option of a third season at Toulon, but is set not to take it up.

Staying at the Stade Felix Mayol might have put Halfpenny on a collision course with outspoken Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal over his availability for Wales’ tour of New Zealand next summer, as well as the Lions’ expedition there in 2017.