Bok's future at Sale still unclear

TRANSFER TALK: Sale Sharks face a tough battle to retain World Cup-winning Springbok lock Lood de Jager.

Sale Sharks' marquee player De Jager has been heavily linked with a move to South African franchise Sharks.

However, the deal reportedly fell through.

Nonetheless, the rumour mill has not subsided, as the latest report suggests that De Jager is likely to exit Sale Sharks.

While his future plans are still unclear, Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderon revealed to the Daily Telegraph that De Jager is reconsidering his stay at the Manchester Club due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 29-year-old has been linked with lucrative deals in France and Japan.

Adding fuel to the rumour is Sale Sharks' lastest signing England lock Jonny Hill.

The British and Irish Lions star joined the Manchester-based club last week.

Commenting on the speculation, Sanderson said the club is constantly negotiating with De Jager.

"Lood and the club are continually discussing his future plans and he is our marquee player," Sanderson told the Daily Telegraph.

"It is not about salary restrictions, however, Lood has been struggling with Covid-19 and went home [to South Africa] to visit his dad, who is getting old.

"We are still in negotiations trying to figure out if he is happy here. But if someone is not happy you will not get the best out of them.

"So his future plans are still unclear,"

When asked about Jean-Luc and Dan Du Preez being linked with a move to their former side Sharks in South Africa, Sanderson was adamant they,  along with older brother Robert, are committed to Sale Sharks.

Sanderson evens pointed figures to 'third party agents' for the reports.

"I think it's pure speculations and work by a third party agent in an effort to destabilise our club.

"The reports certainly did not come from us.

"Stuff like this usually pops up in media which is frustrating.

"Nonetheless, I spoke to them individually and they are contracted here. Thus far everybody is happy except Jean-Luc he wants to play the No.6 flank more.

"We even spoke to their agents and they are happy and have denied all the transfer reports,"

Source:  DailyTelegraph & Netwerk24