Sale are in talks with Luke McAlister after Toulouse, who had been favourites to sign the 24-year-old New Zealand outhalf, withdrew to focus on recruiting the All Blacks' scrumhalf Byron Kelleher, who last week pulled out of his move to Agen following the club's relegation from France's top division.
Charlie Hodgson is close to regaining fitness seven months after a knee operation, but if England's outhalf is involved in the World Cup and the Six Nations next season, his appearances for Sale would be rationed.
McAlister would be available for the entire campaign, unless New Zealand include him in their World Cup squad, a selection which may depend on whether he decides to move to Europe.
McAlister is determined to leave New Zealand after slipping down the outhalf rankings and railing at what he called media intrusion into his private life. He attracted the interest of Edinburgh and Munster before reportedly agreeing terms with Toulouse, whose interest cooled when Kelleher became available.
McAlister spent part of his childhood in the north of England, where his father, Charlie, spent two years playing rugby league. McAlister senior is believed to have been offered a coaching role at Sale's academy.
The All Blacks, exasperated at the drain of players to Europe, have not given up on McAlister and have named him in the centre for Saturday's second Test against France in Wellington. Daniel Carter remains at outhalf despite retiring at half-time in Auckland last weekend with a knee injury.
France have made four changes, with Julien Laharrague, who missed the match because he turned up late for training, returning on the right wing.
Australia have drifted to 14 to 1 for the World Cup after two unimpressive wins over weakened Wales, which emphasised how much they were missing Chris Latham, who ruptured knee ligaments six months ago. The fullback hopes to prove his fitness for Australia's Tri-Nations match against South Africa on July 7th.
NEW ZEALAND: L MacDonald; J Rokocoko, I Toeava, L McAlister, S Sivivatu; D Carter, B Kelleher; T Woodcock, A Oliver, C Hayman, K Robinson, A Williams, J Collins, R McCaw, R So'oialo. Replacements: K Mealamu, N Tialata, C Jack, C Masoe, B Leonard, N Evans, C Smith.
FRANCE: T Castaignede; J Laharrague, A Mignardi, L Mazars, J-F Coux; Boyet, N Durand; C Califano, S Bruno, O Sourgens; P Pape (capt), J Pierre; D Chouly, O Magne, S Chabal. Replacements: R Ibanez, N Mas, O Olibeau, F Ouedraogo, M Forest, N Laharrague, B Thiery.
SAMOA (v South Africa, Ellis Park, Saturday): G Williams; L Fa'atau, Anitelela Tuilagi, S Mapusua, Alesana Tuilagi; L Crichton, S So'oalo; J Va'a, M Schwalger, C Johnston, K Thompson, F Levi, D Leo, J Purdie, S Sititi (capt). Replacements: M Salanoa, D Kerslake, I Tekori, A Vaeluaga, J Poluleuligaga, E Sevealii, D Levi.
