YORK City Knights appear to be in a three-horse race to sign highly-rated youngster Scott Murrell on loan from Leeds Rhinos.

The Knights are waiting to hear back from Leeds about the chance of bringing the 20-year-old half-back to Huntington Stadium on an agreement thought to be similar to the season-long deal that brought record-breaking winger Peter Fox to York last season.

However, new Super League side Castleford Tigers and the Knights' National League One rivals, Hull KR, are both on his trail too and their full-time status might prove more appealing to both the player and his parent club.

Indeed, Rovers coach Justin Morgan has said he is confident of taking the Leeds-born starlet to Craven Park.

However, the Knights could hold the trump card with boss Mick Cook having coached Murrell, a former England Under-18s tourist, in the Rhinos Academy, while there is also the partnership between the York and Leeds clubs.

Murrell has already gained Super League experience with London Broncos in 2004, but the Rhinos may let him drop down a division to gain more experience.

Updated: 10:34 Wednesday, November 30, 2005