SARACENS have opened talks with England and Lions loosehead Mako Vunipola about a new contract amid interest froma significant number of French clubs .
The Wellington-born ace, 30, could be about to start his last season with the club he joined from Bristol a decade ago and with whom has won three Premiership and European titles.
Vunipola , who has played 67 Tests for England and eight for the Lions in three tours, was a member of Eddie Jones’ World Cup runners-up squad two years ago.
Blindside understands Saracens need him to take a significant cut in his wages which are likely to be north of £400,000 a year to fit into the new £5m salary cap.
Mako is understood to be interested in a move across the Channel but doesn’t want to end his England career, which would happen as soon as his contract with a Top 14 outfit started.
Mako opted to see out his contract with Saracens after they were relegated from the Premiership and is set to have more talks with the Championship play-off winners in the coming weeks.
Toulon, Lyon, Stade Francais, Racing, Bordeaux and Montpellier are all looking for a big name loosehead next season while La Rochelle and Clermont Auvergne are also watching developments. If you’re on the look out for a new casino experience visit here .
Mako’s younger brother Billy, above, is another big name coming to the end of his contract in North London and has piqued the interest of leading French teams in the past.
BY NEIL FISSLER
