Sale 'have budget for four or five world-class players'

Alex Sanderson has led Sale Sharks to the top four in each of the past three seasons

Sale Sharks have the budget for multiple world-class internationals for next season, according to boss Alex Sanderson.

Seventh in the table with four Prem games played, including Saturday's humbling 65-14 defeat by Saracens, Sanderson is already planning for 2026.

Sale have recently been linked with a move for Harlequins' versatile England back-row Chandler Cunningham-South, who can also play at lock.

"We've probably got enough budget for four or five world-class international players," Sanderson said before Saturday's trip to Leicester.

"We're looking for those players which have the biggest impact on the ball and maybe the most touches. You look at our squad and where we might be a little short in strength in depth; that's where we're looking to recruit."

Sale signed hooker Nathan Jibulu from Harlequins, Newcastle back-rower Nathan Hogg, Reuben Logan from Northampton as well as South African pair Jacques Vermeulen and Marius Louw ahead of this season.

"It's a weekly task and one that I'm quite enjoying in terms of meeting players and seeing how it all fits together for next season," he added.

"I'm also aware that it takes your focus off this season. All the white noise can create insecurity with your own squad which, I might add, I'm quite happy with given our retention rate is at 95%.

"This is the 5% to add to the gene pool to take us to the next level where we can be a lot more competitive at Saracens away."