Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal says he is trying to sign Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny but the boss of the French rugby heavyweights has ruled out a move for Wales captain Sam Warburton.
Speaking to the La Provence newspaper, which covers the south of France, in an interview published on Friday, Boudjellal said British and Irish Lions skipper Warburton had priced himself out of a potential move.
“We couldn’t find an agreement on the salary expectations. The subject is closed,” said Boudjellal about Cardiff Blues flanker Warburton.
“On the other hand, on Leigh Halfpenny, I don’t have the same answer. He’s a player we’re looking at.”
Halfpenny, 24, who also plays for the Blues, was voted player of the series in the Lions successful tour to Australia, breaking the Lions’ Test points record and the record for points in a single test.
He was also voted player of the tournament in the 2013 Six Nations and was shortlisted for the International Rugby Board’s player of the year award.
Should he join Toulon – fellow French Top 14 giants Clermont are also interested in recruiting him – he would join a growing exodus of Welsh players in France.
Mike Phillips, Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate all play at Racing-Metro while James Hook and Luke Charteris are at Perpignan.
Lee Byrne is at Clermont, who have signed Jonathan Davies for next season, while Toulon will have Ian Evans on their books in the next campaign.