Wakefield Trinity are in advanced talks with New Zealand international Chase Stanley.
Rugby League Live understands Trinity are close to reaching an agreement with the centre, who is a free agent following the demise of Toronto Wolfpack.
A deal is not yet thought to be over the line with the final formalities still to be resolved, but an agreement appears likely.
Crucially, Stanley will not take one of the club's seven overseas quota spots after being given special dispensation following Toronto's removal from Super League. Stanley was under contract for the 2021 season and will remain exempt throughout that period.
Wakefield's seven quota spots are all currently occupied, but that loophole has allowed them to make a move for the 31-year-old.
Trinity coach Chris Chester has made no secret of his desire to add quality to his squad, with emphasis put on adding a halfback, a prop and an outside back.
Newcastle Knights playmaker Mason Lino and London Broncos forward Eddie Battye have been recruited and while the club has also retained Huddersfield's Innes Senior on an extended loan deal, they remain keen to add to their backs following the departures of Ben Jones-Bishop and Ryan Atkins to York.
Stanley spent 11 years in the NRL, making 110 appearances in that time. He joined the Wolfpack midway through the 2018 season and scored 22 tries in 36 games for the club. He played twice for New Zealand in 2007.
Back in October, Chester outlined his recruitment plans ahead of the 2021 campaign.
“We have got to go for more quality over quantity," he said.
"That’s simple; that’s why we’re looking for a top-class half and a top-class outside back. It sounds simple but it’s also a difficult fix; a lot is to do with budget."
Wakefield finished tenth in Super League last season, only coming above Hull KR. A three-game winning streak near the end of the campaign ensured they wouldn't finish bottom, following a lousy run that had seen them win just five of their previous 29 league matches.
