Saracens are ready to let their captain Abdelatif Benazzi leave the club.

Chief executive Peter Deakin has revealed that he does not expect to see the Frenchman run out for the club ever again.

The lock has been linked with a move to Sale, who will be playing Heineken Cup rugby next season, and Deakin described the player's position as "untenable".

He also claimed that the first Saracens knew of a possible transfer was when Benazzi was seen on the touchline with Sale supremo Brian Kennedy at the Manchester club's match against Wasps last month.

"I don't know if we would have him back now," Deakin said.

"He was chosen as our captain and we feel very disappointed.

"We think his position has become untenable and look forward to hearing from Sale with regard to his movements."

The matter has been complicated by the recent death of Benazzi's father in France.

"We are very sensitive to that fact," Deakin added. "But Abdel has serious decisions to make, not only with regard to Sale but also to the fact that he wants to get back into the French team.

"At the end of the day it is up to Sale and him to come back and sort it all out - we know they are very interested.

"The most satisfactory outcome for all concerned is that the deal is done. I don't see him in a Saracen's shirt again."

Deakin also plans to meet Benazzi's brother Khalid to discuss his future with the club, but said: "That is a completely different scenario."

He will also have to appease fly-halves Jannie de Beer and Luke Smith following the signing of Leicester number 10 Andy Goode.

The pair could look to move elsewhere if, as expected, Goode is given the kicking duties at Vicarage Road.