Owen Farrell transfer negotiations reach crucial stage

Racing 92 and Saracens are set for a last-ditch attempt to break the deadlock and agree on a transfer fee for former England and Lions star Owen Farrell to return to North London this summer.

Farrell has made it clear that he wants to return to the Premiership this summer despite having another season to run on the two-year contract he signed when he moved to the French capital last year.

Racing are willing to let Farrell, 33, leave La Défense Arena after a disappointing season, with injury and loss of form restricting him to just 41 points in 17 matches, but they are insisting that it’s on their terms.

They value Farrell, who won 112 England caps and played in three World Cups, at €250,000 (£211,500), which is half of the €500,000 they splashed out to buy him out of his Saracens deal.

The former Premiership and European Champions are unwilling to pay more than €200,000 (£177,000) for a player who has twice been voted European Player of the Year and nominated three times for World Player of the Year.

Racing have been growing frustrated with the lack of progress and have been busy looking for a replacement, but suffered a blow when it emerged that veteran Wallaby James O’Connor is set to join Leicester Tigers.

The Paris giants could now move for former Ireland international Paddy Jackson if they agree on a fee with Saracens, who will then have to agree on personal terms with Farrell.

It is unlikely to be a problem, despite Saracens boss Mark McCall warning him that he will have to take a cut in wages from the £685,000 a year he is paid by Racing.

Farrell had to accept almost half what Saracens paid him before he moved to the Top 14, and another cut is on the cards if he wants to rejoin the club he helped to win six Premiership titles and three European Cups.