Sarries face a battle to keep hold of first-team coach Andy Farrell after Stuart Lancaster was confirmed as England’s permanent head coach.

Farrell has earned plaudits for his temporary contribution in the coaching set-up during the Six Nations and is likely to be sorely tempted to take a role which would offer him the chance to work at the 2015 World Cup in England.

The 36-year-old was seconded to the national team for the duration of the Six Nations but Sarries insist his long-term future remains with them.

Speaking recently, chief executive Edward Griffiths said: “When England asked us if they could have him on a part-time basis we said you can’t do both jobs properly so we agreed to release him for eight weeks. There was never any talk of doing it on a long-term basis.

“He is a big part of our future at Saracens and has a massive role to play at the club. Succession planning is very important for us. We plan very carefully and want to keep our players and coaches here.”

The club confirmed today they have started "cordial and constructive discussions" with the RFU about Farrell, who has two years left on his contract.

Saracens will face Harlequins in a top-of-the-table clash at Wembley tomorrow in front of a record crowd.

The Premiership champions take on the league leaders and about 86,000 people are expected to attend, which would surpass the world record attendance for a club match, 82,208, set by Munster and Leinster at Croke Park in 2009.

Sarries, whose previous best turnout at Wembley of 46,281 was for the win over South Africa in 2009, are set to bring Owen Farrell back into the side following his successful Six Nations campaign for England.

David Strettle is also in line to feature but the side will be missing forward Andy Saull who has been ruled out for five months with a dislocated knee cap.