The 31-year-old reached an agreement with Northampton chairman Keith Barwell to end his deal at Franklin’s Gardens one year early enabling him to sign a new contract with another club.

Wasps have been in talks with Dawson since May but the club insisted nothing has yet been finalised.

“We are hoping to secure his services this week but nothing has been signed,” a Wasps spokesman told BBC Sport.

“There are still a couple of things to sort out and the deal has not been completed yet.”

According to the Wasps official website, www.wasps.co.uk, a statement regarding a potential move will be issued “within the next 48 hours”.

Dawson made his debut for Northampton in the 1991-92 season and scored 693 points for the Saints, including 66 tries, 79 penalties, 64 conversions and a drop goal.

“As a club, we are very proud of what Matthew has achieved at international level, but we have missed his presence during those absences with England,” Barwell told the club’s website, www.northamptonsaints.co.uk.

“I have spoken to Matthew at length about his future and we both felt that his rugby career now lies elsewhere since moving to London to live full-time.

“Everyone at the club wishes him well. He has been an excellent servant to the club and has many fans among the Franklin’s Gardens faithful. He will always be warmly welcomed back here, not least by me.”