Saracens up their offer to in-demand Max Malins amid interest from rivals

SARACENS have made an increased offer to highly-rated fly-half Max Malins to keep him at the club next season.

Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester were leading a clutch of clubs who were hoping to tempt Malins into leaving the Premiership and European champions.

Malins, 22, is out of contract at the end of the season and had been offered only a modest increase to sign a new deal – but further talks have taken place.

Sarries have made him another offer and it looks like it will be enough to reach an agreement and to see him put pen to paper.

The Chiefs are watching developments closely as they are seeking to replace club legend Gareth Steenson and will now go back to the drawing board.

They face a battle to sign a fly-half with Bristol Bears, Gloucester and Wasps all on the lookout to strengthen in that area.

NEIL FISSLER