Rugby League clubs take interest in England international fly-half

GEORGE FORD is a shock name on the wanted list of Super League clubs who would like to tempt him into a cross-code switch.

Rugby League sides have been boosted by Luther Burrell’s decision to swap Northampton Saints for Warrington Wolves next season.

And an industry insider has told Blindside that Oldham-born Ford, 25, will be the next big name Union player to be targeted.

Ford rejoined Leicester Tigers in February 2017 on a three-year contract worth an estimated £450,000 a year after invoking a get-out clause in his Bath contract.

The Super League marquee player rule means a club could pay him more than he earns with the Tigers as only £100,000 is counted on the salary cap.

The Wolves will be paying England stand-off Gareth Widdop £500,000 a season when he moves from NRL outfit St George Illawarra later in the year.

While their rivals Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield, Catalan Dragons and Toronto have all got deep pockets as well.

Another name that League clubs would love to sign is young England winger Joe Cokanasiga but he still has another couple of seasons left on his Bath deal.

Another is England captain Owen Farrell – that’s a complete non-starter but clubs will likely register an interest towards the end of his contract.

The son of League legend Andy is under contract to Saracens until 2022 on a deal that is thought to be worth at least £750,000 a season.

NEIL FISSLER / Photo: Getty Images