Chiefs livewire Damian McKenzie is in advanced talks to join England top tier side Leicester Tigers according to reports out of the UK.

The 22-year-old has been a key cog for the Chiefs this season, but the Rugby Paper suggests he has been questioning his place in New Zealand Rugby after finding himself low in the All Blacks pecking order.

Called up to the national side for last year's Rugby Championship, McKenzie was underwhelming in the few times he made it on the park.

McKenzie was recently called into the All Blacks during the Lions series but only after an injury to superstar fullback Ben Smith. He was also used as a back-up to newcomer Jordie Barrett.

The Tigers had reportedly taken an interest in Damian's brother Marty before setting their sights on the All Blacks fringe player.

In 2016, McKenzie fended off contract offers from the Blues and the Crusaders to sign a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs, meaning he wouldn't likely depart for the UK until the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

A move to Leicester would see him join the likes of former Blues flanker Brendon O'Connor, former Wallabies centre Matt Toomua as well as England backs George Ford and Manu Tuilagi.

Newshub.