Gavin Henson has not played for the Ospreys since injuring his ankle against Gloucester last year © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Gavin Henson

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Gloucester Rugby | London Irish | Ospreys | Saracens | Wales | Wasps

London Irish boss Toby Booth has confirmed that he would be interested in signing Gavin Henson if the Ospreys centre becomes available but his Saracens and Gloucester counterparts Brendan Venter and Bryan Redpath have both ruled out moves for the player.

Henson has not played competitive rugby in 18 months and revealed in an interview with BBC Wales, which was aired on Thursday, that he is still struggling to come to terms with his much-publicised break-up with singer Charlotte Church. Consequently, he is desperate to negotiate an early release from his current contract with the Ospreys, which does not expire until May 2011, to facilitate a move to London, where he is currently partaking in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former British & Irish Lion has been repeatedly linked with Wasps but director of rugby Tony Hanks dismissed the speculation earlier this week. However, Irish boss Booth is open to signing Henson - provided his contractual dispute is resolved.

"No English club can afford to pay a transfer fee but if Gavin is able to sort out his affairs then I would be interested in having talks with him," Booth told The Daily Telegraph. "I would never say never about any player and there are only so many good players around. There is no point cutting off your nose to spite your face. It is about getting the right player for the right deal."

However, Sarries director of rugby Brendan Venter cast some doubt on whether Henson would be the right player for his club when quizzed on the 28-year-old's possible availability.

"We are happy with our squad for this season," the South African said. "Gavin is a wonderful player but at Saracens don't rush into decisions. We need to make sure the player has the right character to fit into the culture of our squad."

Meanwhile, Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath insisted that there is no chance of Henson ending up at Kingsholm this season.

"No, not at all, not interested," he told the Gloucester Citizen. "It is not something I have paid any attention to. I have seen Wasps have come out and said the same and I think the media can dress it up and make a story out of something that maybe is not there.

"Fair play to Gavin, he is a decent bloke and I have a lot of time for him but he has got his own worries and his own challenges in his life to deal with and where he wants to play rugby. But it is certainly not something that has ever entered my head or anybody else's within Gloucester so good luck to the guy and whatever he does. And I hope he dances well!"