LEIGH'S' planned swoop for Western Samoan international half-back Willie Swann appears to be on the verge of collapse.

The club and Swann have agreed terms but it has now been discovered the talented half-back may not qualify for exclusion from the overseas quota.

Swann, who played for Hunslet against the Centurions at Hilton Park on Sunday, has applied for British residency but has only lived in the country for four-and-a-half years -- six months short of the five-year rule that would see him excluded from any quota.

"It is a big stumbling block," admits frustrated coach Paul Terzis. "Unless we can find a way round the red tape, the deal doesn't look like it can go through."

Despite the setback, Terzis is '95 per cent' sure there will be new faces in the Centurions' side for Sunday's home game against NFP whipping boys Lancashire Lynx.

"Negotiations have taken longer than we would have liked, but slowly and surely things are starting to drop into place," he said.

Leigh were left disappointed when Wigan's reserve centre Dwayne West opted for a two-year contract with St Helens instead of a move to Hilton Park.

The talented teenager, son of ex-coach Graeme, had indicated his intention to come to Leigh -- until Saints declared their interest.

"It seems his father has influenced his final decision," added Terzis.

But Leigh won't give up the chase for new talent in an effort to strengthen the squad before today's signing deadline.

Also thought to be on Leigh's shopping list are Wigan's utility back Liam Bretherton and goalkicking stand-off Phil Jones.

They have also made moves for St Helens reserve team half-back John Braddish and Sheffield's Welsh international backrower Chris Morley.