91�ȱ�

Wales and British and Irish Lions number eight Taulupe Faletau could be on the verge of signing for Bath, 91�ȱ� Wales Sport has learned.

The 24-year-old may be bought out of the remaining year of his Newport Gwent Dragons contract.

It is possible the 45-times capped Faletau will join English Premiership runners-up Bath after the World Cup.

He had his offer of a national dual contract withdrawn by the Welsh Rugby Union in May.

Faletau said at the time that changing his agent had "delayed" signing a dual contract, which would be co-funded by the WRU and the region.

National dual contracts were introduced to try to stem the flow of Welsh internationals leaving the regional game, but Faletau is understood to have discussed the situation with Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

Withdrawing the offer of a national dual contract - of which 60% is paid by the WRU and 40% by the region - left the Dragons with the prospect of paying Faletau's salary in full.

Bath are believed to be keen to negotiate a transfer fee with the Dragons in order to secure Faletau's signature a year before his existing contract is due to end.

If the deal is completed, Faletau will join up with fellow Welshmen Rhys Priestland and Dominic Day at the Recreation Ground.

The English Premiership side had been hoping to sign Springbok number eight Duane Vermeulen, but his decision to join Toulon led to renewed interest in Faletau.

Bath and the Dragons have been contacted by 91�ȱ� Wales Sport but both declined to comment.