"Record fee" - Clubs learn price tag for in-demand Gloucester number 8 Zach Mercer

The versatile back-rower has shone since his return to the Premiership, impressing after his stint with Montpellier in the Top 14.

Yet, a public fallout with England's Steve Borthwick has fueled speculation of a return across the channel.

This speculation isn't just hearsay; club owner Bernard Lemaitre has confirmed their keen interest in Mercer.

"Who wouldn't want a player like him? He brings both power and pace to the game, a rare combination," Lemaitre told var-matin.

However, Mercer's contract with Gloucester, spanning the next two to three years, complicates matters.

According to a report from Midi Olympique, Gloucester has slapped a €1 million price tag on Mercer's release, following his recent long-term contract renewal with the Cherry and Whites.

 Mercer, has declared that he’s taking a break from England duty for the time being, expressing his disappointment at being excluded from the upcoming Six Nations Championship squad.

Mercer said: “I’ve been open with Steve, I’ve told him my opinions on it. I thought I haven’t really been given a crack which is what I feel like, to not even be given a game to try and prove myself is tough.

“I just don’t feel like he values what I can offer as a player and that’s me being honest, I don’t think he values what I can bring.

“Obviously I don’t fit into the system that he wants to run and, whether I agree with that or not, it is what it is.

“My focus now is on Gloucester and England can take a step aside for the moment.”

“Zach and I had a conversation last week. We’ve had a number of conversations over the last couple of weeks with Zach since he’s come back from injury.

“We’ve highlighted areas where players have done well and the areas where they bring a point of difference. It’s a competitive arena.

“And [we highlight] areas where we want them to develop them and add to their game. That’s the same conversation I had with Zach.

“When I’m talking to a player, I’m basing it in objectivity. I’m basing it on targets for them to go after, and then we can shape a shared understanding of what we’re seeing.

“Granted, sometimes as a coach you want something specific in a team, I’m always looking at all the coaches and all the players that are able to provide that.”

MailOnline report that the 30-year-old is in the final stages of agreeing a deal with the Top 14 club, after the prop flew to Toulon last week to undergo a medical. 

Sinckler joined Bristol Bears in July 2020. The tighthead prop represented the Lions for the second successive tour after being called up to Warren Gatland’s squad for the 2021 tour of South Africa.

The powerhouse prop, who joined from Harlequins, has 68 caps for England and represented his country at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Sinckler featured in all three tests on the Lions’ tour to New Zealand in 2017 and is one of World Rugby’s leading stars.

Northampton Saints' flanker, also known as the 28-year-old dynamo who showcased his prowess in England's World Cup triumph over Argentina, is set to make waves across the channel as he signs up with Toulon.

Joining the Top 14 ranks, he follows the footsteps of notable players like Jack Willis, Henry Arundell, David Ribbans, Joe Marchant, and Jack Nowell in what seems to be a growing trend.

Ludlam, who contributed significantly to England's World Cup journey by starting in two pool matches, found himself gradually slipping down the team hierarchy as the competition progressed, despite being a cornerstone of the squad during last year's Six Nations campaign.

Speculations are rife as reports indicate that Billy Vunipola is engaged in discussions with Suntory Sungoliath regarding a potential move to Japan. The formidable No. 8 is contemplating whether to extend his stay with Saracens or pursue a lucrative opportunity in the Far East.

This isn't the first time the 31-year-old has been associated with the Tokyo-based team in Japan's rapidly growing League One. Previously, Vunipola opted to remain with the Premiership champions, signing a contract extension.

Latest reports suggest he wills sign with Montpellier.