Gloucester put a ‘HEFTY’ price tag on England outcast Zach Mercer as Top 14 clubs circle big-name duo
England forwards Saracens' back-rower Billy Vunipola and Gloucester number eight Zach Mercer.
England outcast Zach Mercer is attracting interest from French Top 14 clubs, but Gloucester are reportedly “asking for a hefty compensation” fee to buy him out of his contract.
The busy back-rower has been a star performer for the Cherry and Whites since making his return to the Premiership following a stint with Montpellier in the Top 14.
He signed with the West Country club ahead of the 2023/24 season with the hope of cracking the England squad.
He was invited to one training camp before the Rugby World Cup but has yet to add to his cap tally under Steve Borthwick, and subsequently, French clubs are eager to bring him back across the Channel next season.
He won a Top 14 title with Montpellier and was named the MVP of that season, and with his international exile set to continue, his former employers are eager for him to return but will face stiff competition, according to reports.
Competition for Mercer’s signature
According to a report by Midi Olympique, Gloucester has set a €1 million price tag on Mercer’s release after the 26-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Cherry and Whites ahead of the current season.
It is reported that he inked a three-year deal with the option of another season, leading to the massive sum needed to compensate for his release from his current contract.
Montpellier “sounded” out Mercer over a possible return, but Midi Olympique added that he did not respond to the club, who have now turned their attentions to Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola, who is set to be off contract at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Toulon have entered the race for Mercer’s services are “said to have shown strong interest” in the player and are at the “point of making him a good offer”.
The report adds that multiple Top 14 clubs have reviewed his CV but that Toulon are “very interested” in the player who is “wondering about his future.”
Montpellier line up Billy Vunipola
As for Montpellier and Vunipola, Midi Olympique reports that the two parties could meet in the coming days to discuss him potentially joining the club.
Montpellier are also ramping up their recruitment efforts after missing out on Huw Jones, who signed a contract extension at Glasgow Warriors despite interest from multiple French clubs.
Gloucester, meanwhile, has recently announced a host of re-signings, notably prop Val Rapava-Ruskin and back-rower Ruan Ackermann.
It has also been reported that the Cherry and Whites are keen on securing Christian Wade’s services to fill Louis Rees-Zammit’s void after the Welshman signed on to the NFL International Pathway Program.
