AUSTRALIAN centre Mark Gasnier is top of Saints coach Ian Millward's shopping list as a replacement for the departing Paul Newlove.

The 21-year-old St. George three quarter is one of three overseas players in Millward's 'list A'.

If the irons in the fire down under go cold, Saints have an 'option B' list of young British Super League centres they would be interested in.

Millward said: "We have spoken to the agents of Mark Gasnier, Willie Talau and Nigel Vagana. All three are international quality centres and we have enquired about how much they would cost in the marketplace.

"I am looking for the next Paul Newlove - he has been an unbelievable player for this club. I want a younger version of Paul, who I can put on a three-year contract.

"Contrary to speculation we have not signed Talau.

"I don't mind saying my first target would be Gasnier but Vagana has a friendship with Paul Sculthorpe dating back to their Warrington days, so everything is not cut and dried yet.

"We are trying to get one of those three and if we miss out on those we have an option B list identifying a couple of young English centres.

"They will be Super League players - we need a proven strike player there."

Long serving centre Newlove, who is set to leave Saints at the end of the season, will be out of action for 10 weeks after having surgery on a dislocated thumb.

But Millward has poured cold water on suggestions that Newlove and Tommy Martyn will be leaving before the end of the season.

He said: "Paul's injury is a big loss to us because he has been one of our best players this season.

"But we will get him back for the run in and let's hope we can provide him with the farewell at Old Trafford he deserves. That also goes for Tommy and anyone else we release this year."

With Newlove out for tomorrow, Friday's trip to league leaders Leeds Rhinos, Millward faces a selection headache for the centre spot. Moving back rower Darren Smith would seem the obvious solution.

Saints' clash against Leeds will kick-off at 8pm.