Reports in England on Saturday suggest the World Cup's record try-scorer is on his way to Bristol in a £1.1m deal worth more than £10,000 to the player.

Club officials have flatly denied that any transfer had taken place, with coach Bob Dwyer describing the rumours as "astonishing".

But the West Country side look favourites to sign him, even if agent Phil Kingsley-Jones says there is major interest from six clubs.

Lomu and Kingsley-Jones are expected to meet officials from Bristol on Saturday.

Options

Lomu's contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union is on the brink of expiry although Kingsley-Jones denied Lomu has already rejected the offer of a new improved four-year deal with the All Blacks.

"That is not true. Jonah is considering all the options open to him," said the agent.

"It is a big decision for Jonah and he will make the decision when he is ready."

The giant man with 38 caps and 14 World Cup tries has also been touted as a possible target for Second Division Worcester.

Rugby league clubs Leeds and Auckland, and the NFL in America, have been suggested as alternative potential employers if rugby union's most famous player decided to switch codes.