Quins director of rugby Conor O’Shea added Samoan beef to his back line this week to cool talk of a possible swoop for British & Irish Lion Jamie Roberts.

Highlanders centre Winston Stanley will switch to the Stoop next season to add some bulk to the Harlequins midfield that has been lacking this term.

O’Shea has had near constant problems with his centre pairing this term having been shorn of the services of George Lowe – in line for a return to action at Sale Sharks tomorrow – for much of the campaign.

Quins have been heavily linked to Roberts, who is set to leave French Top 14 side Racing Metro in the summer, But the signature of 26-year-old Stanley – capped twice by Samoa – would seem to pour cold water on the Wales international pitching up in west London.

“Winston is a classic case of a player who does the simple things well,” said O’Shea of his new man.

“He is equally adept at 12 or 13 and, with the amount we play with ball in hand, having players in our squad that have Winston’s ability ensures we will be better placed to compete on all fronts.”

He added: “According to the Welsh media he [Jamie Roberts] is heading back there.

“We’ll wait and see what his decision is.”

Meanwhile, O’Shea has revealed the club’s recruitment plans for next season are nearing completion.

“We are pretty comfortable with where we are and if the season started tomorrow, we’d be happy with what we have,” he added.

“There are a couple more signings still to be confirmed between now and the end of the season.”