Munster are understood to have lined up former Connacht and Irish Under-20 international Tom Farrell to replace Toulon-bound Antoine Frisch.
Frisch is in advanced discussions with Toulon over a four-year deal, and Munster are trying to secure a replacement before allowing the Irish-qualified Frenchman to leave for the Côte d'Azur.
They have been pursuing Leicester Tigers' England international Dan Kelly, who became eligible for the Irish in July, but a deal has been problematic as he is under contract to the Tigers next season.
They also looked at Pierce O'Connor, but Bristol Bears have announced that the former Ealing Trailfinders centre, who made 138 appearances for Pat Lam's side, will move to Galway.
Dublin-born Farrell, 31, began his career with Lansdowne, Leinster A, London Irish and Bedford Blues before moving to the injury-hit Pro12 champions in January 2017.
He has made over 100 appearances for Connacht, but is under pressure from younger players such as David Hawkshaw and Cathal Ford, who are pushing him down the pecking order.
There are even rumors that Farrell, who was touted to win a full cap for Ireland in 2019 when he was called up for the opening rounds of the Six Nations, could retire after Connacht were not offered a contract.
It has been suggested that Munster have put a two-year contract on the table to tempt Farrell to continue his career, and discussions are now believed to be at an advanced stage.
Farrell has made 12 appearances for Connacht this season, including eight in the United Rugby Championship, scoring two tries against Ulster in November and Zebras on 20 April.
He also participated as a substitute in the team's European Challenge Cup quarter-final loss to Benetton last month after appearing in two Champions Cup matches earlier this season.
Munster are scheduled to host Farrell's Connacht this weekend at the URC in Thomond Park.
