STEVE DIAMOND, Saracens' director of rugby, has ruled out a move for New Zealand openside flanker Marty Holah.

Holah had been linked with a move to Saracens in the wake of the news that Richard Hill is likely to miss at least three quarters of the season following knee surgery.

But Diamond's interest in the loose-forward, who has become frustrated at being the understudy to Richie McCaw, cooled after he discovered that Holah would qualify as an overseas player.

"He is an excellent player but we are not in for him," said Diamond. "He would be classed as a foreign player and we have already filled our quota with Taine Randell.

"We were very disappointed what happened to Richard with the Lions," he added. "It's hugely disappointing for the lad as well as the club. He'll probably be out for eight months but could be back for the back end of the season if all goes to plan."

Diamond continues to scour the market for a back row forward and a prop but will not be rushed into making his move.

"We've got a fair stack left in the salary cap and we are looking for two more players to come into the squad," he revealed.

"If the one or two we are after, particularly in the southern hemisphere, come up after the Tri Nations or at the end of their respective seasons then we are in a position to go and purchase those players.

"If we don't find them we feel we've got enough to go forward this season and will wait for the players we have identified already to join us next season."

Together with Mike Ford, Diamond has already compiled an impressive four-strong shortlist for next summer and his record in the transfer market has helped transform the club's much-maligned recruitment policy.

"We've done some good business over the summer," said Diamond of his six signings. "Myself and Mike Ford have both come from clubs where we haven't had a lot of money so we know where to look for players for the right money."