Sale Sharks target Brian Ashton

Sale Sharks are hoping to add former England manager Brian Ashton to their ranks in a consultancy role.

The announcement from Sharks CEO Steve Diamond follows two years of speculation linking Ashton to the club.

"Brian is a mate and we will be speaking with him with a view to trying to see if we can sort something out," Diamond told the Manchester Evening News.

"Brian doesn't want to commit himself to anything like a full-time role as he is very busy with his consultancy work and other interests.

"But, hopefully, we can get him involved with us on a consultancy basis."

Ashton has previously worked with a number of Sale's players, including Danny Cipriani and Mark Cueto.