Leicester Tiger transfers | Four locks they should sign

When shooting down the report that Maro Itoje could be heading to Welford Road, Murphy revealed: “We actually are in the process of finalising someone in that position and we will release that when we are ready, hopefully early next week.”

Leicester, Gloucester, and Sale Sharks have been in negotiations for the highly-rated 21-year-old for a number of months now.

The lock made his Saracens debut aged 18 and a mere year later was earning his first international cap for England.

Prior to that, he plied his trade at Old Albanian before joining the Sarries Academy and represented his country from Under-16 to Under-20 level.

Trialling many positions in that time, Isiekwe was tried at prop, centre, back row and lock – his height dictating the latter would be the preferred outcome.

Isiekwe has already featured over 50 times for his boyhood club, but will leave this summer following their relegation. He'd be a perfect signing.

The 28-year-old is a free agent after his Kobe Steelers sabbatical was cut short by the COVID-enforced cancellation of the Japanese league. However, the lock has rejected an offer from Super Rugby side The Chiefs to remain a free agent.

He's reportedly having a bit of a break with his family before making his return. Could that return be with Leicester Tigers? Notl likely, but they can dream.

A decade after his debut for Saracens, the 29-year-old Lion from Guildford is understood to be considering a career move to the Far East, having been there last autumn for the World Cup. 

However, if the Bears could convince Kruis to remain in the Gallagher Premiership and come to Welford Road, he would make their line-out imperious.

The towering 70-cap Ireland international will be available this summer when his contract at Leinster expires.

The 33-year-old, who made his debut for the Blues in 2006, isn’t sure about what he wants to do as he contemplates retirement, according to the Irish Mirror.

A top-class second-row, he'd bring a wealth of experience to the TIgers pack.