The Top 14 side have plenty of Saints connections with ex-players Steve Thompson, Ben Cohen, Christian Short, Damien Browne and ex-performance coach Tim Exeter all there.

Lamont has also been linked with a move to Toulon and, after a deal to Edinburgh fell through, the Scottish Rugby Union are now trying to place the winger with Glasgow, according to reports.

But stories in France say Lamont was in Brive on Monday talking over a possible move.

While Lamont's future looks decidedly uncertain, the signing of fellow Scot Euan Murray for another three years could well be the most important signing director of rugby Jim Mallinder makes ahead of next season.

Murray will now become the cornerstone of Saints' pack for three seasons and Mallinder will hopefully have some meaty back-up on the cards if, as expected, Barry Stewart and Tom Smith decide to call it a day.

The future for out-of-contract hooker Paul Shields doesn't look too promising with youngsters Brett Sharman and Joe Gray picked ahead of him against Sale on Saturday.