Castro has been fantastic; he's world class, is an icon of the club and we will do whatever we can to keep him Director of rugby Richard Cockerill on Martin Castrogiovanni

Director of rugby Richard Cockerill says Leicester Tigers are desperate to keep hold of Martin Castrogiovanni.

The 29-year-old Italy prop has developed into a key figure at Welford Road since joining in 2006 but is out of contract at the end of the season.

Cockerill told BBC Radio Leicester: "Castro has been fantastic; he's world class, is an icon of the club and we will do whatever we can to keep him.

"We're talking it through and hopefully it will come to a resolution."

But Cockerill fears a better financial offer could tempt Castrogiovanni away from the Premiership champions.

"If he leaves because the financial lure is so much then I wouldn't ever hold that against him because you have to make the right decision at the time," Cockerill said.

"But certainly this environment is where he has played his best rugby and we would love to keep him."

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