Bath are reportedly in talks to sign Duane Vermeulen in a deal which would make him one of the highest-paid players in world rugby.

The 28-year-old Springbok No 8 has been in sparkling form this season and was recently nominated for the IRB World Player of the Year.

According to reports on the Express.co.uk website, Bath are looking to sign Vermeulen as a second marque player alongside former Wallabies skipper Will Genia.

The deal, which is said to be worth around £450,000 (R7.8 million) per season, would make him the second-highest earner in the Premiership behind Bath's recent rugby league recruit Sam Burgess.

Vermeulen would join Bath at the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in England, where he will team up with fellow Bok loose forward Francois Louw.

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