Saracens boss Mark McCall admits 'everyone would want Owen Farrell' but insists 'it's not fair to speculate' on the England captain's future as he remains in advanced talks to join French side Racing 92 to close
- Saracens boss Mark McCall insisted he 'understood' interest in Owen Farrell
- The 32-year-old fly-half is in advanced talks to join French Top 14 side Racing 92
- The proposed deal would see the England captain no longer eligible for Steve Borthwick's squad
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Mark McCall has revealed he is not surprised by the interest in Owen Farrell.
Apart from a short loan at Bedford, the England captain has spent his entire career at Sarries, becoming the youngest player to play in English professional rugby union when he made his debut in 2008.
Since then, the fly-half has embarked on a brilliant run, winning six Premiership titles and three Champions Cups, while becoming the club's top scorer in all competitions.
The 32-year-old even deferred almost £300,000 of his salary in 2020 to keep the club afloat amid the financial uncertainties during the pandemic.
However, it appears Farrell's decade-long spell at Hendon could be coming to an end, with reports suggesting he is ready to join French Top 14 team Racing 92 on a two-year contract, in a move that would probably spell the end for his England. career.
Saracens boss Mark McCall insisted he understands the interest in his captain Owen Farrell
The 32-year-old England captain is said to be in advanced talks to join French Top 14 side Racing 92
But McCall emphasized that it is “not fair” for him to comment on a move as long as it remains speculation
Racing 92 issued a statement stressing that a deal has yet to be agreed, but did not deny that talks were underway to sign Farrell.
Speaking about Farrell's future following the club's defeat to Leicester, Saracens director of rugby McCall admitted he understood the interest in his captain.
“I think having Owen Farrell in your team is what everyone would want,” he said.
“It's just not fair to anyone to talk about something that's speculative. Until there's something to talk about, we're not going to talk about it.'
It is also understood that while no contract has been signed, Farrell has met with Racing's boss and former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, as well as club owner Jacky Lorenzetti.
A move to France would leave Farrell ineligible for England as only players employed by Gallagher Premiership clubs can represent Steve Borthwick's national side.