Libbok in demand: The offer that would 'interest' the Stormers
TRANSFER NEWS: Weekend media reports were littered with news that the Stormers’ Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is on the Racing 92 wish list.
However, as @rugby365com learnt, it will have to be a substantial offer to ‘interest’ the Cape Town-based franchise.
The French club, Racing 92, has already secured the high-profile signature of Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.
It was also confirmed that the ambitious Paris-based club – affectionately known as Les Ciel et Blanc – is interested in luring the 25-year-old Libbok to Paris.
However, the first stumbling block is that the three-times-capped Bok No.10 has a contract with the Stormers that runs till June 2024.
And the Stormers are keen to extend that till 2027.
There may well be an offer that could convince the Stormers to release Libbok early from his contract.
@rugby365com was told that a ‘BIG‘ transfer fee, coupled with a player swap would be very attractive.
Warrick Gelant, who played 20-odd games for the Stormers before moving to France last year, will make it a more attractive deal for the Stormers.
There has been a suggestion that Springbok utility back Aphelele Fassi could be lured from the Sharks in Durban to Cape Town.
However, Gelant is the ‘first choice’ for the Stormers and if he is part of the Racing 92 offer it may well get the deal over the line.
If Libbok does depart and Gelant arrives, the Stormers will have to move mercurial Bok utility Damian Willemse back towards the flyhalf channel.
Their other options at No.10 include Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Kade Wolhuter.
Seasoned flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis will provide the ‘experience’ required to help mentor youngsters.
@king365ed
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