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GLOUCESTER ARE LEADING THE RACE TO SIGN FRANCE INTERNATIONAL POWERHOUSE VIRIMI VAKATAWA, BUT FACE STIFF COMPETITION FROM TWO OR THREE GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP RIVALS. The 28-year-old will be

out of contract next summer, and has reportedly tasked his agent with securing him a move to England. Bath and Northampton Saints have also expressed an interest in Vakatawa, according to

_The Rugby Paper_. The versatile back, who re-joined Racing three years ago after four years playing on the Sevens circuit, has recently moved from the wing into midfield. Sale Sharks could

also be interested if Manu Tuilagi, who signed a one-year deal with the club, chooses not to extend his contract at the AJ Bell Stadium. Vakatawa has won 24 caps for _Le XV de France_ since

making his international debut in 2016, scoring eight tries in the process. ------------------------- JOIN THE RUCK: ------------------------- LIST | FIVE SENIOR GLOUCESTER PLAYERS SET FOR

EXIT AT THE END OF THE SEASON 1. CHARLIE SHARPLES Making his Gloucester debut in 2007, Sharples is the clubs longest-serving player, scoring 91 tries in 266 outings. However, with game-time

becoming limited, there have been suggestions the 30-year-old would face a pay-cut to stay. According to RUCK sources, the speedster does have offers from elsewhere, which could lead to him

finishing his career in France. CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO -------------------------