Dawson lives in the London area

Gatland is exploring his options at scrum-half as a wrist operation could sideline Rob Howley until October.

"We had talks with Matt and his agent last Wednesday. However, nothing has been signed or finalised," he said.

"If Rob is unable to see out his contract then clearly we will be in the market for a replacement. Dawson is one of a number of scrum-halves on offer."

Dawson has spent all 13 years of his domestic career at Franklin's Gardens.

If Matt does come it would be great to renew an old rivalry Rob Howley

But Northampton, who face Wasps in the Zurich Premiership semi-final on Sunday, have admitted they do not know whether he will be with them next season.

"The club has had amicable conversations with Matt Dawson regarding his future here at Franklin's Gardens," a statement said.

"We know Matt has had conversations with other clubs in the London area where he now lives with his girlfriend, but as yet nothing has been finalised and a new deal has not been signed."

Howley, who has targeted a spot on next year's Lions tour, laughed off any suggestions that his injury could be career threatening.

"The time period has obviously made Warren Gatland think and he feels he needs another quality scrum-half," Howley told BBC Sport Wales.

"Warren is a very clever coach and knows that if he brought someone like Matt in then it would spur us on so that he can get the best out of both of us.

"It would be like the time that Martin Wood was at Wasps and was the England A scrum-half.

"If Matt does come it would be great to renew an old rivalry."