Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has hinted that a potential wave of new investment could pave the way for fresh signings this summer, sparking excitement among fans of the Gallagher Premiership club.

Members are set to vote on a proposed takeover by American investors—reportedly Black Knight Football Club, the group behind Premier League side AFC Bournemouth—at a special general meeting at Sandy Park on Thursday evening. If approved, Exeter would join a growing list of Premiership clubs attracting outside capital, following Red Bull's takeover of Newcastle last August and James Dyson's 50% stake in Bath.

The Chiefs have already been busy in the transfer market, extending contracts for several players whose deals were set to expire this summer. They've also secured the signatures of Crusaders back Dallas McLeod, Saracens forward Harry Wilson, and Bath centre Will Butt. But Baxter suggests there could be more to come.

"We've got a little bit of room, but not loads and loads," Baxter said when asked about remaining salary cap space. "If you say, can we go out and get one player? Yeah, of course you can. But on the whole, we've got a pretty settled senior squad there with a good group of players."

The veteran director of rugby didn't rule out targeting a specialist in a specific position, but stressed the club won't rush into any decisions until the financial picture is clearer. "Is there room for a specialist in a certain position? Potentially, yes, and that's probably what we would look at. But right here and now, we're not going to do that until we know exactly where we are financially longer term."

While Baxter admits the bulk of negotiations have been handled by the club's business-minded board members, he's confident the proposed investment is a positive step. "I'm very much the rugby voice on the board," he explained. "But what I would say is that I'm very confident that it's a positive way forward for the club, otherwise it wouldn't be being brought to the members. The people who've looked at it, seen it, know the financial situation the club's in at the moment deem it a very promising opportunity."

For Exeter fans, the prospect of new backing could mean a stronger squad heading into next season—and perhaps a few more names to add to those summer signing announcements.