Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen could be lost to the Blue Bulls if the Pumas on Monday decide to offer him a contract.

Van der Westhuizen (pictured), according to newspaper reports over the weekend, is not too happy with the contract offered to him by the Blue Bulls. This led to his agent contacting the Pumas.

According to reports the Bulls have offered young Springbok lock Victor Matfield a better deal than the most experienced Test Springbok.

The news of Van der Westhuizen's dealings with the Pumas comes days after the Bulls officials said the scrumhalf was "95 percent certain" off re-signing with the province after responding positively to the rounds of negotiations over the past few weeks.

Now there is a feeling in Blue Bulls circles that the scrumhalf, who is a Blue Bulls icon, is playing the two provinces off against each other to ensure a better deal for himself. Bulls chief executive Stephan Pretorius said: "We have made him an offer and are now waiting for his reply."

Fanie Vermaak, president of the Mpumalanga Rugby Union, confirmed his union will make a decision about Van der Westhuizen on Monday. Earlier this year there was talk that Van der Westhuizen would sign with the Pumas for the recently finished Currie Cup season, but after a meeting with coach Heyneke Meyer Van der Westhuizen decided to remain in Pretoria.

"We may have a problem paying a massive amount for Joost. Fortunately SARFU pays his salary for the Super 12 part of the season," said Vermaak.

Matfield signed for the following three years, while the Bulls have also signed Griquas centre Dries Scholtz and Free State hooker Germaine Brinkhuis. Exciting young Pumas flyhalf prospect Nel Fourie is apparently also interested in a move to Pretoria.