Sale's worst fears have been realised following confirmation by director of rugby Steve Diamond that young guns Henry Thomas and James Gaskell are to leave the Sharks.

The pair's futures have been at the centre of feverish speculation since before Christmas with England prop Thomas linked with a move to hometown club Bath and former Saxons skipper and backrow star Gaskell a target for Wasps.

Diamond was anxious to retain the services if two of his key forward personnel especially with Thomas, 22, and 23-year-old Gaskell both having their best years ahead of them

But the Sale boss has now confirmed that both will be moving on in May.

Sale haven't revealed the name of their destinations but its understood 22-year-old Thomas, who was last week named in England's Six Nations squad - has agreed a lucrative contract with Bath with Wasps set to be confirmed as 23-year Gaskell's new employers.

The duo's decision is a big blow to the Sharks, especially coming on the back of last week's revelation that former British Lions and Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel is to leave in the summer and join Championship side Bristol.

But Diamond also revealed that he was already well down the road to targeting replacements and new arrivals.

"Jamma and Henry are moving on at the end of the season and replacements are being sought as we speak," said the Sale director of rugby.

"We're confident that we'll replace the lads and we wish them all the best.

"Its the nature of the beast that while some players want to stay other wish to move on,.

"Henry is of the opinion that he'll progress further internationally by moving on.

"As regards Jamma, he's moving to London after being at Sale for six years and he wants a change in his life as well as a different challenge.

"With both Henry and Jamma its not a money issue as to why they are moving on - its purely for rugby/lifestyle reasons.

"There's no rancour or bad feeling and we'll wish both of the lads good luck when they do move on."

However, on the positive side as regards contract talks, Diamond is close to agreeing new deals with wingers Mark Cueto and Tom Brady who have both been in sparkling form this season.

"We're very close with Cuets and hopefully we'll soon have a deal done and its a similar situation with Tom Brady," Diamond added.

"We're looking for a top class scrum half to replace Peely and now a top class tighthead prop to replace Henry.

"And we're looking worldwide for the right players.

Hopefully, we'll get some deals done within the next two or three weeks as we are down the line with one or two.

"But until you dot the is and cross the ts a deal is never done."