Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales second row Luke Charteris has been linked with a move to French Top 14 side Perpignan.

The lock is out of contract with the Dragons at the end of this season and will sign a three-year deal with the 2009 Top 14 champions, according to l'Independant.

If the rumour is true, then Charteris will join a growing number of Welsh internationals in France, including Clermont's Lee Byrne and Bayonne's Mike Phillips.

Wales coach Warren Gatland recently warned Welsh players that they jeopardise their chances of playing for the national team if they decide to take jobs outside of the RaboDirect PRO12.

Charteris currently faces four months out of action due to surgery on an injured wrist, ruling him out of next year's Six Nations championship.