Sale boss Peter Deakin says Sunday rugby might be considered in a bid to improve poor attendance figures at Heywood Road.

The Cheshire club currently stand one point behind Premiership leaders and reigning champions Leicester, having won four out of five league games this season.

But just 1,844 people watched Sale beat Heineken Cup holders Northampton last Saturday, while previous home gates for the visits of Bath and Newcastle fell below 3,000.

"We are limited to just 4,800 spectators at Heywood Road, but I would like to see that figure achieved on a regular basis," said chief executive Deakin, speaking in the run-up to next weekend's home clash against Saracens.

"We may have to look at a whole raft of changes to help develop a bigger fan base, and that could mean trying Sunday rugby later in the season.

"But that isn't easy because we have our season ticket holders and corporate clients to think about."

Deakin, whose marketing skills helped transform Saracens and Super League giants Bradford Bulls in previous jobs, recently linked up with Sale and their millionaire backer Brian Kennedy.

"I have been as disappointed as anyone by the attendances at Heywood Road," he added.

"We entertained the European champions last Saturday, but it doesn't help going head to head on a Saturday afternoon with Manchester United.

"United play just two miles down the road, and that is one of the biggest brand names in sport.

"It is interesting that Manchester United's capacity has risen from about 45,000 to 67,000, so there has been a lot of slack in recent years that Sale could have been exploiting.

"I have, however, been very encouraged by the support of Sale fans who've approached me at the two recent games I attended.

"It is great that they are giving us their vote of confidence, and a lot of serious thinking will have to go into our future planning.

"At present, the crowd seems fairly static at just under 3,000, so Sale must be one of the best kept secrets in the world."

Sale have been linked to ground-sharing a new stadium with rugby league outfit Warrington Wolves, where Deakin was chief executive until recently, but there are no firm plans about when - or if - that might happen.