The 2 Premiership clubs chasing Los Pumas flanker Joaquin Moro

Gloucester have emerged as rivals to Leicester Tigers as the two Premiership clubs chase the signature of Puma and Pampas XV flanker Joaquin Moro, who wants to move to Europe this summer.

Blindside flanker Moro, 24, who plays for Pampas XV in Super Rugby Americas, scored two tries on his Test debut in the 79-5 win over Uruguay at the Estadio Domingo Burgueno last June.

Moro has been in superb form for Pampas this season and is hoping to catch the eye of Los Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi to add to that cap before making the switch to the Premiership.

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It is understood that Moro is leaning towards joining the Tigers, who have found it difficult to attract players to Welford Road after struggling to replace Michael Cheika, who is leaving the club this summer.

The Tigers are closing in on an appointment, with Kiwi Leon MacDonald tipped to edge Graham Rowntree in the closing straight to be crowned as Cheika’s heir apparent.

So far, they have only recruited Newcastle Falcons hooker Jamie Blamire and are especially keen to find someone to replace Springbok World Cup-winning fly-half Handre Pollard, who is returning to the Bulls this summer.

Moro’s signing would provide competition and depth for England star George Martin, Matt Rogerson and Olly Cracknell at Welford Road next season.

Gloucester, who have been the Premiership’s surprise package this season, are one of five teams realistically chasing three play-off places and have been very active in the transfer market, signing six players.

The Cherry and Whites, who are losing Zach Mercer to Toulon at the end of the season, have already signed South African blindside James Venter from the Sharks and Glasgow Warriors No. 8 Jack Mann.

George Skivington is likely close to his budget limit for next season following his spending spree, but could yet launch one last search down the back of the Kingsholm sofas to finance another signing, though he accepts the Tigers are favourites.