Cardiff facing battle to keep one of their top performers as English clubs circle

Cardiff are facing an uphill battle to hold onto Thomas Young who is attracting significant interest from a raft of clubs in England.

Young's contract with Cardiff expires at the end of the season and the Arms Park outfit are keen to hold onto one of their best performers. But they are up against it, with a number of clubs in the Gallagher Premiership serious about signing the 32-year-old.

Young is much admired within the English game following a hugely successful eight-year stint with Wasps where he was undoubtedly one of the best openside flankers in the Gallagher Premiership. After moving back to Cardiff, Young has not disappointed and has been consistently excellent for the Blue & Blacks.

But despite his outstanding form he has not made the Wales squad since returning to the Welsh capital. Leaving Wales would make the four-cap international ineligible to represent his country under the controversial 25-cap law.

Young would be a big hit in England, with his all-round excellence - at the breakdown and open play - suited to the fast and furious nature of the Gallagher Premiership. Cardiff have James Botham, Dan Thomas and Lucas de la Rua on their books but it could be argued none have the all-round game of Young who was instrumental in their second-half comeback victory over Ulster last weekend.

Wales' four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets - are currently operating from a salary cap of £4.5m this season which is expected to go up to £5.1m next term before eventually raising to £6.5m. All four clubs are currently locked in negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union over a new five-year deal for the professional game in Wales.

Cardiff will want to retain Young's services but whether their offer is enough to keep the talented backrower away from the clutches of clubs in England remains to be seen.