Tuilagi set to break Premiership pay record

England centre Manu Tuilagi looks set to become the highest paid player in English Premiership history as clubs have started submitting big money offers.

Twenty-four-year-old Leicester Tigers centre Tuilagi missed the Rugby World Cup due to injury and a disciplinary issue but has become the subject of a bidding war between clubs.

Saracens submitted an offer of £400,000 a season for Tuilagi but the offer has been dwarfed by subsequent offers from Wasps and Worcester who have now tabled offers over £500,000 a season.

Tuilagi comes off contract with Leicester Tigers at the end of the season but if they want to retain their star they will have to offer a Premiership record breaking deal.

The previous record holder was Rugby league convert Sam Burgess last season who had signed contract at Bath worth £500,000 but Tuilagi looks set to surpass that record.

English Premiership clubs are flushed with cash following recent broadcast deals and a new deal with the RFU which guarantees increased compensation for producing England players.

The Premiership has also recently had a £1million increase in salary cap allowance.