Pichot in action for Stade against Leicester

Pichot, out of contract at Stade Francais this summer, has been sounded out by Tigers officials about a possible move to the Premiership.

"I have been contacted by Leicester who wanted to know when I was tied to Stade until, and what was happening next season," he told French paper L'Equipe.

Another Stade player, hooker Benjamin Kayser, is poised to join the Tigers.

"I have received other offers from French clubs but when you have experienced Stade Francais, it is hard to go anywhere else in France," Kayser said.

"I wish to join a foreign club who have the same ambition as Stade, and Leicester fit the bill perfectly.

"It is a new challenge and as I am bilingual as my parents live in London, it is ideal."

Leicester will need cover in both positions, particularly if the severity of scrum-half Harry Ellis's knee injury is confirmed.

Pichot will be at the World Cup with Argentina until October, but would offer an experienced alternative for the rest of the season if Ellis is away with England.

Kayser could go straight into the side with Tigers hooker George Chuter set to be on England duty at the World Cup.

His current back-up, James Buckland is also to leave the Tigers at the end of this campaign.