Sale Sharks aim for George Ford

Aviva Premiership club Sale Sharks have expressed their interest in approaching England international George Ford.

After reports emerged that the 23-year-old might exit the Recreation Ground outfit at the end of the ongoing season, Bath rugby director Todd Blackadder stated that the club will respect the decision taken by Ford.

Sale Sharks rugby director Steve Diamond confirmed that the AJ Bell Stadium based club will begin their approach to sign Ford from January as per the Aviva Premiership regulations.

"We would be interested in anyone of George Ford's ability," Diamond told BBC North West Tonight.

"We've not had direct contact [with Bath or George], but when January 1 arrives and the transfer window opens we can start discussions if he fancies a chat."

England coach Eddie Jones has high regards for Ford while Blackadder had compared him to the likes of All Blacks legend Dan Carter.

Sale Sharks are currently languishing at the 10th position in the table with three wins from 10 matches and are inclined towards signing big players according to Diamond.

"Anyone who's watched us this year knows there are two or three positions that we're lacking," he said.

"We've got to go for world-class quality if we're to take the club where we want to over the next three to five years.

"The days of us bargain basement shopping have not completely gone, but we've got to get back the mid-2000s era of buying high-quality players, bringing them in and supplementing with home-grown players.

"We need four or five world-class players, I think, to compete."