Bath are trying to sign Taulupe Faletau after the World Cup to continue the exodus of leading Wales players to the Aviva Premiership . The 24-year-old Lions No 8 has another full season to run on his current contract with the Newport Gwent Dragons , who have this week indicated that they are 'extremely keen ' to retain his services . However , Sportsmail understands that the Tongan-born player is increasingly likely to agree a move to The Rec in the autumn , which would require Bath to pay a transfer fee . Wales No 8 Taulupe Faletau fires out a pass to Jamie Roberts ( left ) during his side 's demolition of the Azzurri . Bath had been linked with Springboks No 8 Duane Vermeulen , but he is set for a big-money move to Toulon . Faletau has been noticeably absent from the list of Wales stars recently signing up for national dual contracts with the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions . Bath have been linked with him in the past but after rumours of a deal in 2013 , he committed to another three years at Rodney Parade . Now though , several sources have revealed that the West Country club are closing in . Armed with financial backing from owner Bruce Craig , Bath have become major players in the upper levels of the transfer market . England backrower Ben Morgan was also on Bath 's radar before he signed a new deal with Gloucester . They tried to lure South Africa No 8 Duane Vermeulen but it is thought his wage demands were too high and he has opted to move to Toulon instead . Ben Morgan was also on the radar , but he agreed a new deal at Gloucester . If Faletau joins Bath , he will join a growing band of Wales exiles in the Premiership , including George North at Northampton , Richard Hibbard and James Hook at Gloucester , Rhys Priestland who is heading to Bath , and Jamie Roberts who is bound for Harlequins . While Wales coach Warren Gatland has made official his stance against selecting players who move out of the country , he has 'wild card ' exemptions and Faletau is certain to fall into that category .
Taulupe Faletau has another full season to run on his current contract . Bath had been linked with South Africa No 8 Duane Vermeulen . Gloucester was also on the radar , but he agreed a new deal at Ben Morgan .