Zak Hardaker has agreed a deal in principle to join Castleford Tigers, TotalRL understands.
The transfer saga surrounding the England international is set to come to a conclusion after the club struck a deal with Leeds Rhinos for his signature and agreed personal terms with the player.
An announcement is expected imminently.
One obstacle that was thought to be blocking Hardaker’s move to Castleford was the future of Denny Solomona, who is still expected to leave despite their adamancy that he is not for sale.
Castleford’s CEO Steve Gill confirmed in an interview last month that Solomona was expected back in training today, however, there have been suggestions that the Samoan international would not report back to the club when their pre-season schedule started today.
On Sunday evening, Castleford’s official twitter account tweeted to confirm that players who had featured in international games following the Super League season were expected back in training later than other members of the squad, although it remains unclear whether Solomona was given the same treatment.
With Castleford and Hardaker coming to terms on a deal that will see Hardaker join Cas, it would suggest that Solomona’s future lies elsewhere.
Castleford earlier today confirmed the departure of centre Ben Crooks on a one-year loan deal to Leigh Centurions, further paving the way for Hardaker’s imminent arrival.
Huddersfield and Salford were also in the running to sign the 24-year-old, but Hardaker’s preferred destination was always thought to be the Tigers.
