Dan's the man, but who'll get him?

THE GREATEST modern day out-half, All Black magician Dan Carter, is reportedly being bombarded with offers from loads-a-money clubs in England and France.

A move to a northern hemisphere club seems certain after he completes his duties with New Zealand on their Grand Slam tour this autumn, which takes in a Test against Ireland in Croke Park and, possibly, a midweek match against Munster at Thomond Park.

It will be a nightmare for New Zealand rugby to lose a player of Carter’s quality. The hugely marketable out-half has become the modern face of the All Blacks, and the NZRU will not want to see their most prized asset join a galaxy of stars in the northern hemisphere. But the NZRU’s worst nightmare is unfolding before their eyes as Carter eyes up Europe for at least 18 months before returning in 2010 to build towards the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.