Leicester Tigers are close to pulling off a major double signing.

As revealed in the Leicester Mercury recently, the Guinness Premiership champions have been chasing Canterbury Crusaders No.8 Thomas Waldrom and Wasps lock George Skivington.

It is understood Tigers are close to sealing both deals, which would further strengthen the Premiership's best pack.

If Skivington signs, it will put a question mark over the future of veteran lock Ben Kay, who is hoping to land another one-year deal.

Meanwhile, captain Geordan Murphy makes his comeback after four months out following shoulder surgery. He is on the bench for today's final LV=Cup Pool One clash at Northampton.

Tigers must better Saracens' result against Newport Gwent Dragons to stand a chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Tigers have made two changes from the side that beat Bath, calling up hooker Tom Youngs and lock Dan Hemingway.

It means England scrum-half Harry Ellis plays back-to-back games for the first time since September after problems with the knee that needed surgery in 2007.

Ellis said: "The knee's fine, it's been managed really well, thankfully I've got some really great people here to work alongside and keep on top of things.

"I'm just looking forward to the future and trying to continue to improve my game and be the best player that I can be.

"I've been very lucky with injuries, there are a lot of people who've been a lot worse off and unfortunately can't play.

"I am still enjoying playing rugby and it's a really good place to be at Leicester."

Ellis has probably left it too late for the Six Nations but he said: "It's nice to still be involved in that (EPS), hopefully if I get some game-time and things go well, there's a way back in.

"But I am just concentrating fully on playing for Leicester and putting all my efforts towards that."

Brett Deacon expects Tigers' youngsters to thrive in the hostile atmosphere at Northampton today.

Deacon, 27, who is joining Gloucester at the end of the season, said the match would be a challenge for the likes of Billy Twelvetrees, Dan Hemingway and Ben Pienaar.

He added: "I've played there before and it will be a hostile atmosphere. It is a local derby but I think our younger lads will thrive on it."

National Three Midlands club Hinckley have been fined £1,000 for failing to correctly register a player.