WORCESTER Warriors would be “delighted” to attract a player of the quality of New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden, admits head coach Carl Hogg.

Hogg says Warriors are “an ambitious side” and “always looking to bring talent in”.

Despite a newspaper report linking Warriors with Cruden, Hogg says he isn’t “aware” of their interest in the player.

The 27-year-old, who has fallen behind Beauden Barrett in the All Blacks’ pecking order, was also linked with Harlequins in the national newspaper article.

Representatives of the Chiefs' ace are believed to have spoken to a number of Premiership clubs about their recruitment plans for next term.

“We are an ambitious side and always looking to bring talent in,” said Hogg.

“It’s not something I am aware of but we are looking for talent all the time.

“If we could attract somebody of his quality to the club we would be delighted and that’s where we want to go – that’s where we want to progress to.”

Cruden is as one of the most talented fly-halves in the world but his goal-kicking is regarded as the big flaw in his game.

Warriors’ duo Ryan Lamb and Tom Heathcote are expected to be battling it out for the number 10 jersey for Sunday’s Aviva Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways (3pm).

Hogg said: “It’s still about growth (at Warriors) and it’s still about bringing someone like Jamie Shillcock into the team and growing him and developing him over a period of time and the same with Josh Adams and Perry Humphreys.

“That’s our model but if there’s talent out there we would be interested in speaking to them.”

Lock Tevita Cavubati (broken foot) has added to Warriors’ injury list which includes full-back Ben Howard (ankle operation), centre Ryan Mills (groin), back row Marco Mama (hamstring), wing Bryce Heem (knee) and lock Will Spencer (back).

But Hogg said he was not looking to bring in any new faces “at the moment.”

“We have had a few injuries at the start of the season and we know, at some point, the cycle will flip back in our favour and we will start to get players coming back, hopefully, sooner rather than later,” said Hogg.

“Once we get all our players fit and healthy we will have a very strong, competitive strong.

“Hopefully, there will come a point through the European Challenge Cup when we start to get some of our players returning."