YORK City Knights are looking to bring Hunslet Hawks veteran Ian Brown to Huntington Stadium, the Press can reveal.

We reported earlier this week that the Knights were hot on the trail of a new centre, and it has proven to be the case with coach Mick Cook confirming they are in talks with the much-travelled 32-year-old.

Brown has played for Castleford, Sheffield Eagles, Featherstone Rovers - in National League One - Gateshead Thunder and most latterly Hunslet, and would bring some much-needed experience into Cook's squad.

Like full-back George Rayner, who has also made the move to Huntington Stadium, Brown was a key player for Hunslet last season.

"He's had a pretty solid career," said Cook, whose side will come up against the Hawks in National League Two next season.

"He's very fit and strong and competitive, and I think he would do well for us. Everybody I've spoken to has spoken highly of him."

Should he sign, Brown would be seen as a direct replacement for 31-year-old Neil Law, who was released by the club at the end of this season. Like Law, Brown can also operate in the second row.

The Knights already have Dan Potter and Chris Spurr as specialist centres, with Rob Spicer also able to play in that role.

Brown's recruitment would take the number of players signed up for 2007 to 20.

The others are Potter, Scott Rhodes, John Smith, Lee Lingard, Joe Helme, Jamaine Wray, Dave Buckley, Rob Spicer, Spurr, Danny Grimshaw, Tabua Cakacaka, George Rayner, Ryan McDonald, Adam Sullivan, Jim Elston, Jon Liddell, and Academy trio Lee Mapals, Nathan Priestley and Steve Grundy.

If the deal is secured, the Knights would be likely to make the recruitment of wingers their number one priority following the departure of this season's loan duo Peter Fox and Austin Buchanan, as well as youngster Paul Clarke, plus the long-term injury to out-of-contract Craig Farrell.

Only Lingard and Rayner of the present squad are noted wingmen, with both also adept at full-back.

Meanwhile, second-rower Smith has suffered a recurrent broken metatarsal.

The 26-year-old's season ended early in July after he broke a bone in a foot in the week of the York 9s.

He was just starting to train again when he suffered this new break, and his foot is now back in plaster.

He could be out for action for four more weeks and is therefore unlikely to be fit for the start of pre-season. The Knights squad will get together again on October 28 when the players will each be given a fitness and weights programme.

The Knights are seeking a new match-day announcer. Anyone interested can apply in writing to York City Knights, Roland Court, Huntington Road, York, YO32 9PW. It is a voluntary position.