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The Bulls are not prepared to break the bank in their bid to hold on to South Africa winger Bryan Habana, according to commercial manager Ian Schwartz.

The Springbok star (pictured), whose contract at Loftus Versfeld expires at the end of October, is being pursued by several overseas clubs as well as provincial rivals Western Province and Bulls' commercial manager Schwartz is keen to keep hold of Habana.

He said: "Bryan's contract expires at the end of the year and any province or club is within its rights to speak to him. If you don't, you have no clue as to what constitutes talent.

"First prize for us is to keep him because we consider him the best in the world."

However, Schwartz ruled out any "extravagant" offers, saying it could be a threat to the well-being of the game.

He added: "I don't know what WP are offering, but we can only work within the financial structures. It's a fair structure that applies to all players.

"If we make extravagant offers, it will damage the game."

Habana was in Cape Town on Monday to hold talks with officials from the union, including Western Province coach Rassie Erasmus.

"I met Bryan and discussed his potential role here. The next step is to make an offer," Erasmus told Die Burger.

"I suppose our chances will be as good as that of the other provinces."

PA Sport