Saracens are close to signing Northampton Saints and England winger Chris Ashton according to technical director Brendan Venter.

Ashton is out of contract at the end of the season and he has been strongly linked with a move to the Premiership champions.

Former Sarries director of rugby Venter told EWN Sport: "He is a very talented individual which any team would love to have.

"I think there is a process in having a discussion with him and there must probably be an announcement in the next couple of weeks."