Hull FC eye estranged Castleford star Chase

Reports have suggested the Black and Whites are closing in fast on the reigning Man of Steel with a significant six-figure fee already agreed for the England stand-off.

However, issues with New Zealand-born Chase’s visa means they are far from settling the matter.

Pearson last night told the Yorkshire Post: “We’ve had conversations with Castleford about signing the player and we’re obviously interested in him.

“But those (visa) issues unfortunately means it’s very difficult at the moment.

“We’d love to do a deal and he’s just the sort of player we want to attract to Hull.

“If it’s doable, we will do it.”

Pearson, who took over at the KC Stadium last summer, insists the fee is not an issue.

Castleford are understood to want around £350,000 for the gifted No 6.

Pearson said: “This club has messed around with its recruitment in the past and we won’t do that again.

“We’re looking to bring in top quality players, particularly in the six and seven position, and if we have to spend on fees we will do that.

“We inherited a lot of this squad and it’s still not strong enough.”

Hull have shown their ambition by capturing England star Gareth Ellis from NRL Wests Tigers for 2013 and signing England Knights centre Joe Arundel from Castleford while Pearson has promised “two more big” names.

Hull KR yesterday announced they had signed former Hull FC back Craig Hall to a new two-year deal.

Highly-rated Leeds Rhinos back-row Stevie Ward, 18, has signed a new five-year deal at Headingley – but has pulled out of the England Academy tour to Australia to battle for his first-team place at Headingley.