'We want players who will bring the X-factor'

EWELS A TARGET AS SALE PLAN FOR INS AND OUTS

- KIERAN CRICHARD

SALE Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has confirmed his interest in signing Charlie Ewels.

The 28-year-old Bath lock has 30 England caps.

Sanderson said: "We are always looking to strengthen the gene pool.

"Charlie is a great player so he is someone we are interested in amongst others. I need to keep my powder dry in terms of the other players we are looking at.

"You have got to keep trying to add to it. Hence why I admitted talking to Charlie because you cannot afford to stand still.

"For us the most part is retention and that brings its own difficulties. You have still got to add to your core group by way of players with X-factor who you can improve your squad."

Sharks lock Cobus Wiese has been linked with a move back to South Africa and Sanderson is unsure on his future.