DAN Lydiate and Jamie Roberts have been linked with returns to Wales ahead of the World Cup – but the regions say they are in the dark over moves for the Lions duo.

L'Equipe reported yesterday morning that the Welsh Rugby Union had contacted Racing Metro with a view to buying the pair out of their contracts.

That was denied by national coach Warren Gatland, who said in a Q&A on the governing body's website, "We haven't instigated contact with the players but we are aware that one or two of them are keen to return to Wales sooner rather than later."

Racing Metro's chairman Jacky Lorenzetti responded by saying, "Rumours concerning our Welsh players are a fantasy" but it would come as no surprise if the Parisians want the pair off their books.

A move to the Ospreys has been mooted for Lydiate with Newport Gwent Dragons saying they knew nothing about any move for the 26-year-old blindside flanker, who made 85 appearances for the Rodney Parade region before leaving last summer.

He has failed to make an impact since heading to France and, with the World Cup looming, is said to be keen on a dual-contract.

The future of former Cardiff Blues centre Roberts appears a bit foggier with a deal to return home at the end of the season seeming more likely.

Roberts said on Sky Sports: "I was as baffled as anyone when I got up this morning to a text from my mate saying, 'Are you coming home?

"It's the first I've heard of it and I will raise the issue with the coaches. It's interesting to say the least, but I have no idea with this kind of stuff, I just have to work hard in the gym, out on the training field and hopefully make the team for the weekend."

Both Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys denied any knowledge about moves for the pair and the whole episode highlights problems with dual contracts.

The WRU and Regional Rugby Wales came to a new Rugby Services Agreement in August that saw £3.3 million set aside for dual contracts with the governing body picking up 60 per cent of the tab.

Sam Warburton is currently the only player on such a deal and the regions have proposed that the priority should be on retaining players and burgeoning talent rather than luring back those from abroad.

If Lydiate and Roberts were to return then they would take up a sizeable chunk of the funds.

- Bath's pursuit of Steffon Armitage is in danger of collapse after head coach Mike Ford revealed negotiations have stalled.

The Recreation Ground club were hoping to sign Armitage from European champions Toulon until the end of the season to cover for a back row injury crisis.

"I don't think it's going to happen unless high level people come to an agreement, so we'll pursue the other interests now." Ford said.

Bath were hoping to recruit European player of the year Armitage under the Aviva Premiership's injury dispensation rule that permits up to £400,000 to be spent on a player signed as cover.

Ford confirmed that both Bath and Armitage were keen on a move that would enable the 29-year-old openside flanker to challenge for a place in England's squad for the 2015 World Cup.