Taylor has 52 caps and a Lions tour to his name

Taylor, 34 next month, left Welsh rugby two seasons ago when he moved to Sale from the Llanelli Scarlets after falling out of favour at Stradey Park.

"We've spoken to his agents and it's a case of monitoring things, especially as he's out with an Achilles injury now," said Dragons coach Paul Turner.

"He would be an invaluable signing, especially in World Cup year."

Taylor, out of contract in the summer, was part of the Sale squad that became Guinness Premiership champions last season.

Mark's a Gwent boy and is a player I've always admired Dragons coach Paul Turner

The former Pontypool man won the majority of his 52 Wales caps while at Swansea, was last capped against New Zealand in November 2005, and was a Lions tourist to Australia in 2001.

"Mark's a Gwent boy and is a player I've always admired," Turner told BBC Sport Wales.

"He's the wrong side of 30 now, but would be a valuable addition to the squad."

Taylor himself told BBC Sport Wales: "It's early days, I'm talking to Sale and I think they want me to stay, but I'm flattered by the interest from the Dragons.

"They're my 'home' region so there would be a lot of emotional ties there."