BRISTOL look to have failed in their bid to tempt Leicester Tigers prop Ellis Genge into a return to his home town club when his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Genge, 24, spent three seasons with Bristol before moving to The Tigers three years ago, initially on loan before the move was made permanent.
They have made an offer for the England loosehead to return to Ashton Gate next season but Blindside understands it fell short of expectations.
We now believe that Genge, who grew up on a council estate in the Knowle area of Bristol, will be staying at Welford Road next season.
Genge is close to agreeing a contract that will keep him in the East Midlands for another three seasons and will be a boost for The Tigers after another poor start to the season.
NEIL FISSLER