The Dragons have targeted the signing of South African lock JD Schickerling from Japanese club Kobe Steelers.
Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan has identified the front five as an area in need of strengthening, especially after losing Wales lock Will Rowlands to French giants Racing 92, and they believe Schickerling is the right fit for them.
The 28-year-old is a South Africa A international, and many in his homeland are adamant he would have won senior Springbok caps if he hadn't broken his neck back in 2014.
In South Africa, Schickerling would be described as a tight-head lock who relishes the physical exchanges and is a very powerful ball carrier.
At 6ft 6ins and 119kg, Schickerling is a useful option in the lineout, while he doesn't lose many collisions and is very quick for a lock.
All four Welsh sides are entering a period of austerity with playing budgets set to drop to £5.2million next season, but the Dragons have some money to spare after losing Ross Moriarty to Brive, along with Rowlands.
The signing of Schickerling is not certain, with his former club the Stormers, along with two French sides, and another Japanese club keen to acquire his services.
The Dragons would also need to gain permission from the Welsh Rugby Union, who recently blocked Cardiff from signing South African outside-half Tinus de Beer from Currie Cup outfit the Pumas.
But Schickerling is a high-level player who should improve performances at Rodney Parade, while his presence should lift the standard of young Welsh locks at the club.
If they fail to secure his signature for whatever reason, the Dragons do have other options they could turn to but WalesOnline understands Schickerling is the number one target.
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