Saracens are believed to be lining up Springbok World Cup winner Wikus van Heerden to fill the void left by retiring star Richard Hill next season.

Negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage for the 29-year-old Bulls player (pictured), according to the Evening Standard.

The flanker, who featured in six of South Africa's seven matches, including the 36-0 Pool success over England, is likely to be the club's third international signing following England lock Steve Borthwick and Wales number-eight Michael Owen's arrival.

Soon to be the recipients of a multi-million pound backing from South African Investments Limited, the European Cup semi-finalists were also reported in Sportsmail last week to be pursuing an ambitious bid to lure All Black Daniel Carter to Vicarage Road later this year.

Saracens have had mixed success in recent months after a strong start to the season.

Their challenge for Premiership honours has faded and they are currently back in eighth spot with only two matches remaining.

But they did enjoy a successful run in the Heineken Cup and reached the semi-finals before going down narrowly to Munster last weekend.

England legend Hill played a vital part in Sarries Heineken Cup run and could make one last outing, against Bristol in the club's final game of the season, before bowing out of the first-class game.

SportingLife / Eurosport