Wales lock Luke Charteris is reportedly on the verge of joining Aviva Premiership side Bath Rugby in time for next season.
The lock currently plays for Racing Metro and would therefore not need permission from national head coach Warren Gatland to move to The Rec.
Bath coach Mike Ford remained tight-lipped on any deal for Charteris at October's Premiership launch, but the South Wales Evening Post has claimed that the Welsh international is likely to sign a contract soon.
The Somerset outfit were linked with a move for Toby Faletau, but the Newport Gwent Dragons back-rower was forced to stay in the principality by Gatland, who is reluctant to pick individuals playing their rugby outside of Wales.
Charteris, who studied at the University of Bath, is thought to already own a property in the city.
