Exclusive - Six clubs circling young Saracens star

They say it never rains but it pours and the forecast is certainly beginning to look cloudy in North London.

If the rumours circulating that Alex Lozowski could leave Saracens at the end of the season and return to his former club Wasps weren’t enough, the reigning European champions also face stiff competition to retain wing Nathan Earle.

The Junior World Championship-winner has had a tough time with injury since graduating from the England age-grade side, but began to breakthrough for Saracens last season, finishing the campaign as part of Eddie Jones’ England squad that toured Argentina.

He may have not gone on to make his international debut on that tour, but it has led to him starting the season in good form for his club, occupying both the left and right wing starting spots over the opening two weeks of the tournament.

His dynamic counter-attacking, footwork, speed over the ground and deceptive strength singled him out as a player to watch during his time with the England U20 side, something he backed up during a loan spell at Canterbury, playing an important role in their 2016 Mitre 10 Cup-winning campaign.

With Alex Goode, Liam Williams, Chris Wyles and Sean Maitland all available at Saracens, he will have to work hard for further playing opportunities, but his extended injury-free run is clearly allowing him to put together a body of work in training sufficient enough to impress Mark McCall and earn game time with the first XV.

The 22-year-old is in the last year of his contract and keen to stay at the club, but with Saracens facing several key decisions regarding contract renewals, recruitment and the salary cap, the news that he is prized by six other Premiership clubs won’t make for happy reading for McCall and his team.

RugbyPass understands that Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks, Bath, Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins and Bristol are all keen to add the flyer to their ranks for the 2018/19 season and are ready to contend for his signature once the new year rolls around.

Earle is keen to stay at Allianz Park and become an integral part of a side that is fast approaching dynasty status and the onus is on Saracens to secure his future before other Premiership clubs can start speaking to him.

If they can’t come to an accord, however, the talented wing will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the northern hemisphere next year.