PADDY Jackson and Stuart Olding are on the verge of joining English Premiership team Sale Sharks just weeks after the former Ulster Rugby stars were acquitted of rape.
According to a source at The Telegraph, Jackson has agreed a "cut-price" deal with the side and is set to sign shortly, with Olding expected to follow.
The pair were sacked by Ulster last month despite being found not guilty of rape in a high-profile trial at Belfast Crown Court.
The ex-Ireland teammates had their contracts with the club cancelled over lewd WhatsApp messages that were revealed during the trial.
Both Jackson and Olding had been linked with a number of possible moves to clubs in the UK and France before interest quickly died down.
However, it looks increasingly likely that Jackson has signed a deal for €230,000 a year with Sale - €50,000 less than what he was earning with the IRFU.
Sale Sharks, who are based in Greater Manchester and currently sit seventh in the Aviva Premiership table, are yet to formally comment on the development.
Traditionally, an announcement on Jackson's deal would not be made until June or early July under RFU protocol.
