Finn Russell set for Top 14 move: reports

Scotland’s Finn Russell could be on the verge of joining Top 14 side Racing 92, according to reports in the French media.

The club has tabled a €450,000-a-year offer to the British and Irish Lion, who will be out of contract at the end of the season, Midi Olympique claims.

The Racing bid came after its primary target, French international Jules Plisson, decided to extend his stay at Paris rivals Stade Francais for another three years.

Another high-flying and ambitious Top 14 club, Lyon, is also said to be tracking the 25-year-old Glasgow Warrior. A fly-half vacancy could open up at the Stade de Gerland if Freddie ‘call me Mercurial’ Michalak decides to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

But Midi Olympique says that Russell is set to agree a move to Racing’s new U Arena.

If the reports are accurate, it is unlikely that Russell would be the first-choice fly-half. The club has recently signed South African Pat Lambie on a three-year deal.

Meanwhile, there is speculation that, if Racing can clear Johan Goosen off their books, they may try to tempt Dan Carter with a one-year contract extension. That would leave Russell the likely third-choice 10, a situation that would surely do his international ambitions with Scotland no favours.

Carter himself this week said he has made no decision on his future but expects an announcement is expected by the end of the year.

Goosen is reported to be a target for Montpellier. The club’s billionaire boss Mohed Altrad was recently forced to deny rumours he is ready to pay up to €1.5million to activate a release clause in the South African’s contract. He has also rejected claims that he is secretly paying Goosen €50,000 a month. He has, however, admitted he would be interested in signing the player if and when he becomes available.