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Head coach Toby Booth says he’s “not surprised” by reports linking Ospreys' Wales and British and Irish Lions lock Adam Beard to French side Montpellier.

Beard, 28, is out of contract at the Welsh region at the end of the season.

It has been reported in France that the player is considered a priority signing for Montpellier and that Beard has even been sent a contract proposal by the Top 14 side.

“Everyone knows that Adam Beard is an absolute quality operator and has been influential for me and my time here,” said Booth.

“He’s a brilliant leader, a brilliant line-out forward who prepares the team, so I’m not surprised he generates interest.

“The challenge is always to try and keep your best players."

Swansea-born Beard made his Ospreys debut as an 18-year-old in 2014 and has spent his entire career at his hometown region.

Booth, who is himself leaving Ospreys at the end of the season, says talks are taking place to secure Beard’s future in Wales.

“He’s part of the fixture and fittings around here, for sure,” added Booth.

“I know conversations are going on our side, I’m not privy to them. It’s beyond my tenure here.

“I know we are very keen to keep him around and I’m not envisaging that changing too much."