The Ireland and Lions centre is out of contract this summer at Leinster.

And Sport of the World understands the Welsh side are planning an amazing transfer coup.

They were linked with Worcester's wantaway All-Black centre Sam Tuitupou, but have turned all their attention to landing Ireland's Grand Slam winner, who has already held talks with the ambitious Welsh region.

D'Arcy, 30, has spent his entire career in Dublin and lifted the Heineken Cup last season with Leinster.

But he has seen the success of Ireland team-mate Tommy Bowe since moving to the Liberty Stadium and is looking for a fresh move.

D'Arcy, capped 41 times, is a proven match-winner and has been one of the top centres in Europe for the past six years.

He formed a lethal partnership for club and country with Brian O'Driscoll and was Six Nations Player of the Tournament in Ireland's Triple Crown successes in 2004 and 2007.

He also twice toured with the Lions in 2005 and again in 2008 when he played alongside Ospreys' James Hook, Mike Phillips and Shane Williams.

It would be a major capture for the Welsh region to land such a prolific player as they look to build a squad capable of conquering Europe.

Under current rules, D'Arcy would take the overseas spot of Filo Tiatia, who is retiring and one of eight players set to leave the Ospreys this summer.

The decision by the Ospreys to chase another inside centre will also raise doubts over a possible return for Gavin Henson, who commanded the No12 jersey before taking leave following injury.