Taylor has battled back from knee and hamstring injuries during recent seasons, and Edinburgh hoped he would repay their faith in him by committing to a long-term future at Murrayfield.

Carruthers said of the French link: “Should this be confirmed we would be very disappointed given the level of support Simon was given during his rehab period when we stood by him for the duration of his contract.”

Taylor, 27, won his 50th cap for Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Wales on February 10 and was retained in the team for today’s clash with Italy.

Carruthers claims he has been snubbed by Taylor when attempting to discuss the player’s future.

He told The Herald: “We find such behaviour by players abhorrent, particularly since we have made attempts to discuss the situation with Simon and his agent but were told he did not want to do so because he was concentrating on the Six Nations.”