Rayer has kept hold of 22 of last season's players
Bedford Blues boss Mike Rayer says ex-Saracens full-back Edd Thrower is close to finalising a deal with the club.
The 27-year-old, who has also played for Wasps and London Irish has been on trial at Goldington Road.
He told BBC Three Counties Radio: "Thrower played against Saracens on Tuesday night and looked really accomplished at full-back.
"It would be great to have him on board but the ink has not been put on the paper yet, let alone dried."
Thrower spent last season at Italian side Parma after leaving Saracens 12 months ago.
He made 10 starts and seven substitute appearances in the Premiership during a two-year spell for the St Albans club.
The former England Under-21 squad member will be on the bench for Bedford's trip to Rosslyn Park on Saturday, their last pre-season game of the summer.
Rayer expects a good showing from his men after warm-up defeats to Sarries and Northampton Saints.
"We're looking for a winning performance," he said.
"We know we're not going to be completely smooth and we won't be in the first few weeks of the season I'm guessing.
"It takes time to evolve and to understand what certain players, certainly the new ones, can bring to the group.
"Hopefully we'll get into a position at the back end of the season where we're in good fettle both mentally and physically."
The Blues get their Championship campaign underway at home to Plymouth Albion on 28 August.
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