Bristol Bears are set to lose out on signing Ellis Genge with Leicester Tigers believed to be in pole position to keep him at the club.
A former Bears academy player, Genge was set to be on the radar of director of rugby Pat Lam as he looks to strengthen his forward pack.
However, www.bristolpost.co.uk are reporting that the England international will remain at the Tigers, who have offered him a deal that the Bears are not willing to match.
The 24-year-old moved to Leicester from Bristol in 2016 due to off-field reasons, with an initial loan move turning permanent and he his grown ever since.
He has gone on to make a total of 14 appearances for England and was a part of their squad that made it to the Rugby World Cup final last month, gaining many admirrors along the way.
It is a big blow for Bristol who look short in the front-row and are looking to bring in further talent after confirming the arrival of Fijian star Semi Radradra come the end of the season, as well as getting Charles Piutau to sign on to a new contract.
However, despite the prospect of an incredible back-line, Lam wants an improved pack. As well as the disappointment of missing out on Genge, it would come as a bit of a smack in the face that he is choosing a team currently ranked second-last in the Premiership, while Bristol appear set for a real charge at the title.
Meanwhile, it would be a massive boost to Leicester as they try to stay up in England’s top division.
