CARDIFF Blues are leading the race to sign in-demand Worcester Warriors wing Josh Adams.

The Worcester News understands the Wales international whose contract is due to expire next summer is set to agree terms with Blues.

But with the deal yet to be rubber stamped there is still a chance Adams’ former club Scarlets could swoop for the Swansea-born back.

The 23-year-old has notched 32 tries in 56 games for Warriors since making his debut in September 2016 and has made six appearances for Wales.

But Welsh Rugby Union rules dictate players looking to land a new contract at a club outside of Wales must have at least 60 caps to continue representing the national team.

His situation has alerted all four Welsh regions and left Warriors to face the prospect of losing one of their most attacking threats.

Speaking in August Adams admitted he faced an “incredibly hard decision” as he was enjoying life at Warriors and had settled in Worcester with his girlfriend who had landed a teaching job in the city.

But he knows his international hopes rest on him returning to his home country and Blues look in prime position to secure his signature.

In an interview last week Cardiff boss John Mulvihill spoke of his desire to capture last season’s Premiership joint-top try-scorer.

“I think Josh will be a target for all four regions,” Mulvihill said.

“We definitely will be putting our hands up and hopefully we get to meet him at some stage soon.

“If he decides to come back the team that picks him up will be quite happy because he can probably play wing and full-back.

“He’s that dynamic player that we require.”

Scarlets are keen to regain the services of Adams who left the region in 2015 to join Warriors’ academy after struggling for game-time.

Head coach Wayne Pivac said: “He’s gone away, played some really good rugby and he’s coming back to Wales hopefully.

“He’s a quality player, he’s playing international level rugby now, and he’d be welcomed at the Scarlets.”

Despite the interest in Adams Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons said the Welshman was still wanted by the club.

“We want to see our academy players come through and stay and Josh is one of those,” Solomons added.