TOMMY Taylor has signed a one-year extension to his Sale Sharks contract.

The 22-year-old has yet to feature for the Sharks this season after undergoing knee surgery in the summer but is due to return to action early in the New Year.

The Macclesfield-born hooker has long been touted as a potential England star of the future and made a huge impact in Sale's march to a top-six finish last season.

And the news of his new deal is just the boost director of rugby Steve Diamond wanted ahead of tomorrow's crucial return to Premiership action at home to high-flying Exeter.

It is hoped it will be the first of a number of new deals soon to be signed by Sale's out-of-contract players.

"Tommy has agreed an extension of a year to his contract which is great for us," said Diamond.

"He's a great lad and a really bright talent.

"He got injured playing for England against the Barbarians last June but he's recovered from the injury.

"He his bigger for it and we just can't wait to get him back.

"He's given us a year which we've both agreed on, as career-wise we'll see where he's at in 12 months time."

Meanwhile, ticket sales are going well for Sharks' game against Leicester Tigers at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday December 27, kick off 2pm).

Sharks are anticipating their biggest home attendance for the game since they moved to the new stadium in 2012.