Wales and British Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips is the latest Ospreys star to be linked with a possible big-money move to France.

According to reports in the Western Mail Phillips, 27, is wanted by Stade Francais, Racing-Metro 92, Stade Toulousain and Toulon – as well as English big guns Leicester Tigers and Saracens.

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It claims the Welsh side has now opened new contract talks with the in-demand star in the hope they can stave off a bidding war from across the Channel.

Phillips’ current deal is set to run for another season but the Ospreys have decided to act now while they are still in a position of relative strength. The highly-rated scrum-half has previously turned down a lucrative offer from Stade Francais in 2007 – reputed to be worth £1m – and the interest currently being shown follows ongoing reports that Perpignan are also chasing disgruntled fly-half James Hook.

Hook, like Phillips, still has another season to run on his present contract and the Ospreys have already knocked back the Catalans’ initial offer.

Managing Director Mike Cuddy told the Western Mail that the club remained highly ambitious and was not looking to cash in on interest from wealthy French clubs.

“We are not in the business of producing outstanding young players for other clubs. We have a development programme in place that is producing any number of talented players.

“James came through a few years ago, while this week two more of our youngsters – Kristian Phillips and Tom Prydie – were included in the Wales squad,” said Cuddy.

But the ‘hands-off’ warning is likely to be tested by increased monetary offers from Perpignan, with the French champions still looking to land a high calibre fly-half for next season.

The 24-year-old Hook is said to be unhappy at the Ospreys after losing his fly-half position to 20-year-old Dan Biggar. He has been playing at full-back of late but has made no secret of his preference for the No 10 shirt.

Earlier this season he was linked with a possible move to Bayonne - who are currently in the relegation zone - but a three-year deal at Perpignan would surely prove more attractive for the Wales star.

Hook is desperate to reclaim the Wales fly-half berth for next year's World Cup and reputedly believes a move away from Swansea could help his cause.

Cardiff Blues and Worcester Warriors are also rumoured to be interested in the British Lions player. Hook, who has already won 37 Wales caps, still has 15 months to run on his current contract with the Ospreys and reports claim the Welsh side has already turned down Perpignan's initial offer.

Intriguingly - given the continuing news about their interest in Hook - Perpignan have have allowed fly-half Steve Meyer to leave the club with immediate effect to answer an S.O.S call from South Africa’s Natal Sharks.

The Sharks have been scouring for a replacement fly-half following a back injury to Juan Martin Hernandez, and now they have secured South African Meyer after approaching the Catalans.

Perpignan president Paul Goze confirmed that Meyer will return home next week – in time for the start of the Super-14 season – after the 25-year-old failed to cement a starting place while in France.

Meyer joined Perpignan in 2006 but his game time in Top 14 has been severely restricted by injuries and his contract was up for renewal at the end of this season. “Steve has had nothing but bad luck with us with one injury after another,” said the Perpignan president. “But he has always given his all in trying to get back to full fitness,” added Goze.

He said Perpignan had agreed to release the fly-half due to the Sharks’ “urgent need”, adding that it was “out of the question” to stand in the players’ way.