The Stormers could be tempted to let Manie Libbok move to France if the deal involves a player swap, while Rugby Championship title holders United are looking for a replacement for Steven Kitshoff.
Speculation emerged last month that, following Siya Kolisi’s record-breaking signing for Racing 92, the French giants were also in the market to sign Springbok and Stormers flyhalf Libbok.
Change players
According to the Sunday newspaper ReportStormers coach John Dobson is keen to extend the 25-year-old playmaker’s current contract until 2027.
But, SARugbymag.co.za understand that Racing hopes to sweeten the deal by offering Stormers players back.
The player in question is Warrick Gelant, who only joined Racing from the Stormers at the end of last season.
Willemse at 10
Gelant was a key part of the Stormers’ charge to their inaugural URC title, but has struggled for consistent game time since moving to France.
A return to Cape Town for Gelant will see Damian Willemse shift to cover at flyhalf, while the Stormers also have youngsters Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Kade Wolhuter, as well as the experience of Jean-Luc du Plessis in the position.
Replacement for Kitshoff
Meanwhile, the Stormers are also continuing to look for a replacement for outgoing captain Kitshoff, who will join Ulster at the end of the season.
It is understood that Lions loosehead prop Sti Sithole is seen as an ideal candidate to boost the Cape side’s depth in the position.
The 29-year-old Durban-born player came through the Western Province youth ranks and made his professional debut for the Stormers in 2014, before joining the Lions in 2017 after a short spell with the Kings of the South.
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