Leicester close to signing Mathew Tait from Sale

(GETTY IMAGES)

Leicester are close to signing Mathew Tait from Sale Sharks.

Tigers' director of rugby Richard Cockerill revealed that terms have been agreed with the 24-year-old England international.

"He is keen to come and we are keen to have him here," Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury.

"We have agreed terms with Mat but that is still to be signed off. There's a good possibility it will happen.

"It is a slight gamble for him to come to us - and for us to sign him, too.

"But he is 24 and has 38 England caps, so there is still a lot of rugby left in him."

Tait's arrival could reportedly pave the way for Dan Hipkiss' departure from Welford Road.

Sale are already losing England fly-half Charlie Hodgson to Saracens this summer.