Munster head coach Anthony Foley says that he has not given up hope of keeping JJ Hanrahan at the province, despite reports that he is set to join the Northampton Saints next season.

This morning's Irish Times revealed that the 22-year-old out-half is approaching the end of his two-year contract with Munster and has been offered a lucrative basic salary of €190,000 to leave his native province and make the switch to the Saints.

The Premiership club are willing to spend big to find a suitable replacement to Stephen Myler and are hoping to take advantage of Hanrahan's frustration at having to play second fiddle to Ian Keatley for most of this season.

"It's speculation at the moment. Obviously, JJ's contract is up at the end of the season and Munster have offered JJ a contract. Obviously when a guy like that is coming off contract, it does line up a number of suitors. From my own experience as a player as well, you do get your head turned at times. It's important that we all understand that. We make sure, we put our best case forward for him to stay," said Foley.

He went on to say that there is no timeframe for Hanrahan to make his decision, but has revealed that the Kerry native had to deal with some fitness issues during the off-season which has had an impact on his chances of breaking into the senior team this term.