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England are reportedly considering making their move for Warren Gatland after media claims the Wales coach would be receptive to a lucrative offer from the RFU.

Reports in today's Daily Mail say Gatland would be open to switching to Wales' biggest rivals if the money was right and he had full control over his backroom team.

The WRU have maintained Gatland is going nowhere despite speculation over recent weeks, while the Kiwi has signalled his intention to see out his contract until 2019 before heading home to New Zealand.

Any approach from across the Severn Bridge would be strongly rebuffed by the WRU, but it remains to be seen just how much money the richest Union in the world would be prepared to throw at Welsh rugby chiefs if they decide Gatland is their man.

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There have been reports Gatland's contract includes a £1.2m buyout clause but WalesOnline understands that clause does not exist.

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WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said recently: "There’s a lot of talk about was he going to go to England, how long was he going to be around for. He has come out and said he is going to be here for four years.

"If he does another four years, then I think the guy deserves a statue outside the Millennium frankly."

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The reports come amid suggestions some of England's other top targets, including Wayne Smith and Eddie Jones, will spurn any approach to replace Stuart Lancaster.

Another leading candidate, Jake White, has declared his interest in the role though, and he remains the bookies' favourite.

White said: "I have a burning desire to win another World Cup," he said.

"I can win the World Cup for England. I would never be saying that I was keen on the job if I did not believe I could do it."

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