Beauden Barrett linked with Top 14 switch, Jalibert to leave Bordeaux?
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Beauden Barrett has been linked with a move to the Top 14 with his current contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues expiring after the Rugby World Cup.
Reports in France state that Beauden Barrett's CV is doing the rounds in France with several clubs interested in the 2015 World Cup winner.
News from France state that Racing 92 are already in talks with Barrett's agent about his future. Barrett's salary demands is one of the stumbling blocks for Racing who already have several high profile players in their ranks.
Finn Russell's contract at the Parisian club expires at the same time as Barrett's does in New Zealand.
Last year, the Scotland international was linked with a lucrative move to Japan which did not materalise and at the time he said he was happy at Racing 92.
"There was a fair bit of chat there. They [NEC Green Rockets] spoke to my agent," he said
"I'm happy here, it's a great club to be at. I spoke with (Racing owner) Jacky (Lorenzetti) last week about it and he was just like 'be open and honest about it'.
"It was fine, we spoke about it, not just as a 'give me more money or I'll leave' just an open conversation," he added.
Russell could depart the club once his contract has expired and while Barrett seems to be one of the options to fill the void, there is another that the club has been linked with.
France flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert has reportedly told Bordeaux's management that he wants to leave the club despite signing a contract until June 2025.
Racing 92 would have to fork out a fee to buy Jalibert out of his contract at Bordeaux, which would not come cheaply.
France forward Cameron Woki hastly left Bordeaux ahead of the new season to join Racing 92 and Jalibert could follow his best mate ahead of next season.
