BATH have played down speculation that Jack Rowell is set to return to the club as director of rugby.

Reports this week suggested that Rowell had jumped to the head of the queue to fill the new role created following the departure of head coach Jon Callard two months ago.

They claimed Rowell had met club officials and was close to agreeing a deal to return to the club he left in 1994 after an outstanding 10-year run of success.

Team director Michael Foley revealed on Sunday that the club could make an announcement on their new head of operations this week.

But club sources insist that is now not likely until the end of the month and that Rowell, 65, had merely met Bath officials socially.

Rowell, currently managing director at Premiership rivals Bristol, was Bath coach from 1984 to 1994, winning seven cups and four league titles.

He also managed England from 1994 to 1997, winning one Grand Slam and guiding them to the semi-finals of the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.

Leeds Tykes Phil Davies appeared to be Bath's favoured candidate from a shortlist of three but he ruled himself out last weekend, choosing to remain in Yorkshire.

Former Italy coach Brad Johnstone now technical director with the Azzurri is also believed to be on the list.

Meanwhile, the ink seems almost dry on the deal to bring France's Franck Tournaire to Bath from Toulouse although the English club is refusing to comment on the switch.

Foley does admit the club's perennial problem position of front row is one of his main areas of concern.

He said: "The front row has been a concern for the club for a number of years and we're looking to strengthen that area.

"Simon Emms has done a great job for us, so have David Barnes and John Mallett but we're just undermanned in that area.''

He added: "The foundations of any side are built around 2, 8, 9 and 10. You need experienced people in positions who can perform well.''

Speculation as to who Bath will bring in has hit fever pitch, with another Frenchman, Arnaud Costes and former favourite Eric Peters the latest to be linked.

French centre Stephane Glas has also fuelled speculation by admitting he wants to play in the English Premiership although west country rivals Gloucester seem have taken over as favourites for the signature of the Bourgoin 28-year-old.

Meanwhile, the anticipated clearout at the Recreation Ground could start as early as this week.

Mark Gabey has already departed to Worcester and it seems as though one of the club's hookers is on the way out, following the arrival of Cardiff's Jonathan Humphreys.

Foley would not be drawn on his specific targets, but said: "We're actively recruiting at the moment and, of course, we're working towards a salary cap.

"If we reach a point where we get to the salary cap, then we will have to start looking at releasing players.

"The balance of the squad isn't correct and we need to address that which isn't easy when you have contracts in place.''