REPORTS: Leigh Halfpenny now linked with two clubs

Leigh Halfpenny has been linked with a further two clubs this weekend as speculation mounts on the future destination of the Welsh fullback.

French rugby paper Midi-Olympique have once again linked Halfpenny with a move back to the Cardiff Blues, despite it having been widely suggested that no Welsh Regional side could compete financially for his signature.

However the Telegraph claims that Leicester Tigers could yet sign him, albeit on a much-reduced salary. Leicester Tigers had been strongly linked with All Black Damian McKenzie, though a number of New Zealand sources have poured cold water on the move.

The Telegraph article points out that the Tigers no longer have JP Pietersen on the books, freeing funds for a star signing.

While he might have been third choice fullback for the Lions, his prodigious boot would make him a valuable asset at any European club.

In June it was revealed that Toulon would not offer him a new contract – one which had been reported to be worth in the region of €750,000 per year.

The move came after Halfpenny went to tour with Lions just days before Toulon contested the Top 14 final.

A number of Pro12 and Premiership clubs have distanced themselves from the expensive star, including the Scarlets, the Ospreys and Wasps.

It is widely understood that the understated Halfpenny was interested in a return to Wales. However, time is running out for the Swansea native, renowned for his goalkicking.

From Gorseinon, near Swansea, he attended Pontybrenin Primary School and Penyrheol Comprehensive School and has now gone on to score more than 1,200 points in professional rugby.

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