Wednesday 6 July 2016 11:58, UK
St Helens want to sign Widnes Vikings captain Kevin Brown, Sky sources understand.
Brown remains under contract with the Vikings and Saints will have to pay a significant amount to prise him away from the Select Security Stadium.
With Luke Walsh out of contract at the end of the season, Saints boss Keiron Cunningham is looking for a new half-back to get the Saints back on track and and Brown is now his top target.
Brown, 31, joined the Vikings from Huddersfield Giants in 2013 and has been in outstanding form this season.
He played for England six years ago and was in the international wilderness before coach Wayne Bennett invited him to a 30-man get-together last month.
"I'm desperate to play for England," Brown said. "The door has been shut on me since 2010 for whatever reason, but I think there's a chance and it's up to me now to perform.
"Touch wood I get a good run with injuries and I am confident I can produce some good form if I do."
Brown helped the Vikings secure their first win at Leeds since 2002 last time out as they fought-back from 22-10 down to win 23-22 and consigned Leeds to the Super 8s Qualifiers. The win will give them plenty of confidence ahead of Friday's clash with St Helens.
If Brown is lured to Langtree Park, he will leave a huge void and already Vikings boss Denis Betts has cast his eye over a possible replacement with Jamie Soward apparently high on that list.
Australian scrum-half Soward has recently announced that he would be rejoining London Broncos after being released by NRL side Penrith Panthers. However, this move may well be just for the short-term as Soward has made it clear that he wants to play in either Super League or the NRL next season.
