Leicester have "broken the bank" for George Ford - Steve Diamond

Sale Sharks rugby director Steve Diamond believes England international George Ford will re-join Leicester Tigers.

Earlier, reports emerged that both Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers are favourites to sign Ford from Bath but Diamond insisted that the 23-year-old was not on their radar.

"It's never been a deal (for us)," Diamond told BBC Sport.

"We've not approached him as there is still some legal wrangling going on with Bath.

"It looks like Leicester have broken the bank for him, and a club their size has to do that, I think."

Ford joined Bath in 2013 and is contracted with the club until the 2018 season, but the recent sacking of his father, Mike had disturbed his relation with the Recreation Ground outfit despite rugby director Todd Blackadder trying hard to convince the star fly-half.

However, Ford had already given indications of leaving the club at the end of the ongoing season.

Speaking about the recruitment plans of Sale Sharks, Diamond said: "We're in the open market looking for five or six players.

"We're well down the line with them and if we don't get the opportunity to speak to George Ford and he signs for Leicester, there is not much we can do about it. I think it is his desire to go there."