Saracens skipper Neil de Kock believes countryman Wikus van Heerden would be a 'fantastic recruit' for the club as it edges nearer to signing the tireless flanker.

The 29-year-old is understood to have agreed a move to Vicarage Road and would join fellow South Africans de Kock, Brent Russell and Cobus Visagie in the Men in Black squad after the Blue Bulls' Currie Cup campaign.

His capture would see Sarries replace one World Cup winner, the retiring Richard Hill, with another and would fall in line with the club's remit to sign players that ooze leadership qualities ahead of next season.

Bath lock Steve Borthwick and versatile back row Michael Owen from Newport Gwent Dragons have already signed up and more faces are expected to follow as new boss Eddie Jones looks to mould a squad capable of regaining a top four place in the Premiership and winning the European Challenge Cup.

Should the former Lions captain sign on the dotted line his old Springboks team-mate de Kock will be one of the first players to welcome him.

"I've read the reports and if it is true about him coming here then he would be a fantastic recruit for the club," said the scrum-half. "He is an outstanding player, a big strong ball carrier and a great leader. He gives 150 per cent commitment no matter how big or small the game is.

"I've played with him before for the Springboks and against him many times at club level. He was always the stand out performer for the Lions and it would be great to work with him if he came here."

And what does de Kock make of the suggestions that van Heerden would be a like for like replacement for Hill?

"It is difficult to replace Hilly as he is a legend in his own right," added the captain. "In saying that, we've got to move on and look for the next best guy and I believe Wikus would add a lot of value to the team."