Springbok and Montpellier flyhalf Handre Pollard has reportedly rejected a big-money offer from a Japanese club in favour of Leicester Tigers.

Pollard’s contract with Montpellier will expire at the end of the current Top 14 season and the French giants will not offer him an extension, frustrated by his lack playing time due to injuries and Test commitments.

The 2019 World Cup winner has subsequently been linked with moves to the Sharks, a club in Japan, and Bath and Leicester in the English Premiership.

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However, reports in England suggest that the Tigers have won the race for his signature and could unveil him as a new signing this week.

Pollard will be expected to fill the boots of England playmaker George Ford, who will leave Leicester to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks next season.

“The word on the street, if you wish to believe it, is that Pollard is a done deal and we will be announcing him either Wednesday or Thursday this week. I’ve had that from two different sources,” co-presenter Elliot Butlin said on ‘The Rolling Maul’ podcast.

“The two people who have advised me that it’s happening are pretty trustworthy guys.”

Pollard reportedly turned down a mega-money offer from Japan, impressed by Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick’s plans for him at the club.

“The proof is in the pudding, we will have to keep our eyes open to see if it happens this week, if the rumours are to be believed, we are signing Pollard on Wednesday or Thursday this week. Salary for about £600k, which is considerably less than what Japan was offering, which was £1m, so he’s coming not for the money but for the project.

“Apparently the presentation that was given to him by Steve and the club is was what sold it to him, he was really impressed by what we were saying and he’s buying into the project and the journey, so to speak, we are embarking on.”