Transfer saga.

Former England captain Owen Farrell appears to be edging closer and closer to a move to French giants Racing 92 – leaving a very large gap to fill at Saracens.

News of a potential deal broke earlier this month with Racing 92 head coach Stuart Lancaster confirming over the weekend that the Parisian side are interested in signing the English playmaker, stating he would be a “great signing” for the French side.

A deal for Farrell, however, will come at a cost, as Racing will need to pay €600,000 (£515,000) to buy Farrell out of the remaining two seasons of his current contract with Saracens, according to a report in The Rugby Paper.

Given the wealth at Racing and the fact that they have done similar deals like this before, this likely won’t be an issue. A deal for Farrell to go to Racing 92 is very much on the table and looking increasingly likely.

But who would replace Farrell at Saracens? The same report adds that former Ireland international Paddy Jackson, who is now playing with Lyon in the Top 14 after the collapse of London Irish, is being lined up by the English champions.

Jackson impressed in the Premiership for London Irish before being forced to find another club and would certainly fit the bill in terms of what Saracens would be looking for should Farrell depart.

The 32-year-old infamously had his contract terminated by Ulster Rugby and the IRFU back in 2018 following a much publicised court case.

No doubt this is going to be an interesting saga when all said and done.