WALES boss Warren Gatland expects Taulupe Faletau to still be in Newport Gwent Dragons colours after the World Cup.

The Lions number eight is the subject of a long-running transfer saga and is understood to be keen on moving to Bath for the upcoming season.

With Faletau having just a year left on his current deal and having missed a deadline for a national dual contract, the Rodney Parade side are reluctantly ready to accept a transfer fee for his early departure.

However, full release for international commitments is a stumbling block and under the terms of the Rugby Services Agreement a move needs the Welsh Rugby Union's approval because the 24-year-old is under contract and is a Test player.

Gatland has two wildcard selections – individuals playing outside of Wales – for next season and Jamie Roberts and Rhys Priestland have moved to Harlequins and Bath respectively.

"I would be limiting myself and why would I do that?" Gatland said when asked if he would sanction a move.

"At the moment, unless something changes, hopefully he will be playing in Wales (next season)."

"Given that Wales has such a small playing base, I have dispensation to pick a certain number of players playing outside Wales. This year that is two," Gatland told Sky Sports News.

"At the moment, if Taulupe Faletau goes to Bath there would be three players and I could only pick two after the World Cup.

"Jake Ball had a huge offer from Northampton, but he decided to stay in Wales because he wanted to play for Wales.

"If we lose three or four players in a position, I can go to the regions and request that we can select a player from England or France."

Earlier this week Bath coach Mike Ford said: "Nothing is sorted out and we won't say anything else until he has signed. It's in the Welsh Rugby Union's hands and we'll see where that goes."