WORCESTER Warriors appear to be closing in on agreeing a deal to extend “outstanding” versatile back Ryan Mills’ stay.

But director of rugby Gary Gold revealed Warriors were looking to “strengthen” the “critical” fly-half position which Mills has been occupying.

The 24-year-old has worn the number 10 jersey for Worcester’s last seven Aviva Premiership games where he has accumulated 73 points from the tee.

And Gary said he was “quite confident” the former England under 20s ace, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will be at Warriors next term.

“We are talking to Ryan and are having conversations with all the players who are out of contract,” Gold said.

“We will see in the fullness of time as to what happens. I am quite confident Millsy will stay.”

Mills, who can play at centre or fly-half, has racked up 128 points in 55 appearances for Worcester since making the switch from rivals Gloucester in the summer of 2014.

He converted four of Warriors’ five tries in their 40-33 defeat at leaders Wasps on Sunday.

“He has been outstanding,” Gold continued. “He has run the show well and is a good leader.

“He is also a real threat with ball in hand and obviously his kicking game has been immense for us so I have been really happy with Millsy.

“I think he is happy to get a run of games now and has been good.”

Mills has taken over at stand-off following the injury to 19-year-old Jamie Shillcock who underwent surgery on his knee last month.

The experienced Ryan Lamb has provided back-up from the bench, while Tom Heathcote has been “struggling” to overcome a head injury and Connor Braid, who joined on a short-term deal, is down the pecking order.

But Gold admitted Warriors were lacking in strength in depth at fly-half and were aiming to bolster that department.

“We do need to strengthen the number 10 position,” Gold said.

“We are talking to a couple of guys at the moment.

“Obviously Millsy and Ryan are there and Tom is struggling at the moment.

“But it would be an area we would definitely look to try to strengthen up as it is such a critical position.”

According to a national report, Warriors consultant Edward Griffiths held talks with South Africa international fly-half Morne Steyn over a potential move to Sixways.

They also claimed deals for former England player Toby Flood and Ireland and Munster fly-half Ian Keatley had fallen through.

Steyn, who has won 66 caps for the Springboks, is playing for Stade Francais.

But it is believed the 32-year-old is looking to leave the Paris side whose plans to merge with Racing 92 have been called off.

“I think his (Morne’s) name has been mentioned over what is going on at Stade Francais so there are a handful of players we are looking at,” Gold added.

“We have not signed anybody but we are just having conversations with a lot of people.”

Gold has previously dismissed speculation James O’Connor will be coming to Warriors, insisting it would be “very dangerous” to bring in an experienced campaigner like the former Australia star who would block a young player’s path.