Europe gears up for shopping frenzy
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When the World Cup culminates towards the end of next year, a number of high profile players could find themselves on some wealthy European club's shopping lists.
Dan Carter is currently top of the hit list with a $1.6 million price tag, but reports suggest Europe's shopping spree could include current All Blacks stars like Kieran Read and Ben Smith.
There have already been reports of interest in Ma'a Nonu from big spending French club Toulon – who are also apparently eyeing Springbok Willem Alberts and Wallaby super star Israel Folau.
Carter has been linked to Racing Metro, who have tried to lure Matt Giteau from Toulon as the rivalry heats up between the big spenders, Wealthy Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal and Racing Metro president Jacky Lorenzetti.
It has been reported that Boudjellal is drawing up an "all-star hit list" that appeared to include Nonu and even All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
"Significantly, it is not just the old guard in the market for one last lucrative payday who could be bound for Europe," The Times in England reported.
"Kieran Read, widely considered to be the All Blacks' captain-in-waiting, is said to be exploring the possibility of a lucrative stint abroad, while Ben Smith, his team-mate at international level, is another believed to be on Toulon's radar."
Losing Read, 28, would be a blow, while the versatile Smith is establishing himself as a world-class player at the same age.
The Times & Stuff
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