A French Top 14 club is reportedly targeting a Springbok scrumhalf.

Faf de Klerk has emerged as a potential target for Perpignan, with reports in France suggesting the Catalan outfit is exploring a move for the two-time World Cup winner.

According to Rugby Scope, Perpignan have made initial contact with De Klerk, whose contract with Japanese club the Yokohama Canon Eagles is nearing its end. While no deal is believed to be close, the discussions are said to underline Perpignan’s ambition as they plan for next season.

De Klerk is currently back in South Africa recovering from a serious ankle injury sustained in mid-December.

MORE: Fresh injury setback for Faf

The 34-year-old is understood to be weighing up his options after several seasons in Japan, with a return to European rugby not ruled out.

Perpignan’s interest is also linked to uncertainty around their scrumhalf stocks. Tom Ecochard, James Hall and Gela Aprasidze are all off contract at the end of the campaign.

De Klerk’s name has previously been linked to other French clubs, including Toulon, although that possibility was reportedly played down internally, with no formal approach made.

England remains another realistic option. De Klerk enjoyed some of the best years of his club career with the Sale Sharks, where he established himself as one of the Premiership’s standout scrumhalves and a firm favourite with supporters.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images