New Zealand star Luke McAlister could forge part of a father-and-son double act at Sale Sharks next season.

The Auckland Blues centre - who has won 19 caps and secured a place in the All Blacks' World Cup squad - has agreed a two-year contract with the 2006 English Premiership champions.

But Sale are also chasing the services of McAlister's father, Charlie - a former rugby league player with Oldham, Castleford and Sheffield Eagles - to join their coaching staff.

"This is a great signing, and hopefully we can make it a double if Luke's father, Charlie, decides to join us as part of the coaching team," said the Sharks' head coach, Kingsley Jones.

McAlister junior lived in Manchester for 10 years before heading to New Zealand, and was also a member of Manchester United's academy.

"You get one shot at it and I want to make the most of my career," he said.

"I want to go overseas and experience different lifestyles. I have been to Manchester before and I like it there."

The 23-year-old becomes the latest of New Zealand's World Cup squad to head for England. He follows the Newcastle-bound prop Carl Hayman and Saracens' second-row signing Chris Jack.

"Luke is one of the best young players in world rugby and can play either 10, 12 or 13," said Sharks' rugby director, Philippe Saint-André.

"With Charlie Hodgson and Luke in the side, we have two fantastic playmakers, and his signing is exactly the signing I have been trying to make to help us become a dominant force in Northern Hemisphere rugby."