Aviva Premiership
Tigers circling Priestland and Burns
ESPN Staff
December 19, 2013
Rhys Priestland is on Leicester's radar © Getty Images
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Richard Cockerill has revealed Leicester Tigers have contacted Rhys Priestland over a potential switch to Welford Road while the club are also interested in Gloucester's Freddie Burns.

Current Leicester fly-half Toby Flood has been heavily linked with a move to France and has previously said he will confirm his plans for the 2014-15 season around the New Year. Cockerill's team have been linked with Burns and Priestland as potential replacements for Flood and he has revealed he has spoken to the latter's management.

"Yes, I have spoken to his [Rhys Priestland] representatives," Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury. "I am sure there are lots of clubs who would like him - and there are rumours of Gloucester - but it's just how it fits in. Priestland and Flood are of a similar age and have similar experience.

"Priestland has not got as many caps as Flood but he is a very good player and there are not many fly-halves on the market."

And another fly-half on Leicester's radar is Burns, who has admitted talk of his future has put him off his game. Cockerill added: "Burns has clearly not signed for Gloucester yet. We are allowed to speak to their representatives, just not their players. We have made our request but Gloucester have all the power at the minute because they are the only ones able to negotiate.

"Then, every player has the right to look around in January. If there are two or three players of equal quality, usually the first to the line wins the race. Toby needs to make his mind up with regards to what he wants to do. Come January 1, if Floody has not come to an agreement with us, we have to look around."

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