Luke Charteris hopes to remain at Newport Gwent Dragons
- Published
Charteris has won 32 Wales caps since his debut against South Africa in 2004
Wales' World Cup star performer Luke Charteris insists his "first thoughts are to stay with the Dragons" as the giant lock considers his club future.
The Newport Gwent Dragons captain's current deal expires in the summer.
The 28-year-old is an apparent transfer target for French Top 14 side Toulon and Australian giants New South Wales Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels.
"My first thoughts as always has been to stay and play for the Dragons," said second-rower Charteris.
"It is my tenth year here now and I've enjoyed it.
"We've had some downs but things are starting to turn around."
The Dragons have already secured the long-term future of Wales' other World Cup hero Toby Falateu as the number eight has extended his Rodney Parade deal, external until the end of the 2014 season.
Charteris, who signed a three-year deal in 2008, external, has made 136 appearances for the Dragons and is one of just two players that have been with the region since the start of regional rugby in Wales in 2003.
The 32-times capped Welshman, an ever-present in Wales' World Cup semi-final run, is currently recovering from a wrist injury, external.
But coach Darren Edwards insists his skipper could turn into the "first Dragons legend."
Interview: Dragons coach Darren Edwards
"Hopefully we can keep Luke here for the future," said Edwards, who replaced Paul Turner as Dragons coach in April, external.
"I haven't just got a good player, I've got a great leader as well as somebody that could be the first Dragons legend because regional rugby is still in its infancy.
"The first thing I needed to do when I took over was change the perception of our players.
"And we demonstrated our attitude and ambition at the end of last season and these guys got into Wales' World Cup squad on the back of that.
"Then they demonstrated in the World Cup what quality players they are.
"They deserve everything they get so it is up to the Dragons to meet these guys half way to make sure we can keep them here.
"It is nice to have everybody jealous of what we have got here at the Dragons and I'm happy with this situation, I just hope we can sort something out."