THE Wire are said to be close to securing the services of Canberra Raiders playmaker Blake Austin for next season.

Reports from Australia say the 27-year-old has been identified as the preferred replacement for Tyrone Roberts, who is leaving at the end of 2018.

Wolves were strongly linked with a move for former St Helens star Kyle Eastmond, but it appears Austin is now in poll position to fill their half-back spot next year.

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Leeds and Saints have also been linked with moves for Austin, who is versatile and can play full-back, hooker, centre and loose forward as well as both half-back positions.

Austin played for Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers before joining the Raiders in 2015.