England scrum half Ellis has become a bit-part player for the defending Guinness Premiership champions this season with 20-year old Ben Youngs higher in the pecking order at No.9 for both the Tigers and the England elite squad.

The 27-year old’s absence from the starting line-up has prompted rumours he would follow Lewis Moody and Sam Vesty out of Welford Road at the end of the season but Cockerill is adamant Ellis, who has another year remaining on his contract, is staying put.

But Cockerill conceded former England lock and World Cup winner Kay, who has won six Premiership titles during his 11 years at the Tigers, was weighing up his options with his current contract set to expire in the summer.

“Ben is 34 and with everything he has done in the game, he is just waiting to decide what is best for him and the club,” said Cockerill.

“We are still talking to him at the moment and waiting for him to decide what he wants to do.

“But Harry will still be under contract. I know there is lots of speculation but as far as I am aware, he will be here next year and, as I am in charge, I should probably know what is happening.”