LEIGH Centurions won't wait much longer for their out of contract stars to agree to new deals.

Chairman Mike Nolan won't let things drag on, setting a deadline when all negotiations have to be completed.

"We can't afford to sit and let the grass grow under our feet. The players will be given a deadline or a P45," he warned. "It's their choice.

"Other clubs have been very busy recruiting, so we can't afford to wait much longer before finalising our squad for next year."

Talks with players and their agent continued last night (Thursday) but, significantly, Nolan adds: "I don't think we'll be losing any players we don't want to lose.

"I can assure all the supporters that they have been offered sensible contracts which reflect their ability and value to the club."

Leigh remain optimistic that they will eventually land half-backs Phil Jones and Liam Bretherton from Wigan Warriors.

Nolan has agreed a fee with opposite number Maurice Lindsay for the pair and now it's down to the individual players to strike personal terms with Leigh.

"We want both players, make no mistake. But we can't afford to throw vast amounts of cash about. The ball is very much in the players' court, " he adds.

Bretherton is still high on Leigh's wanted list despite dislocating an elbow playing in Wigan's Alliance side last week. Goal-kicker Jones is the top points scorer with more than 300 in Wigan's reserve side.

The Centurions have also opened negotiations with Welsh international forward Chris Morley. The brother of Leeds and Great Britain pack star Adrian, Eccles-based Morley played for Sheffield Eagles last season.

"Chris is wants to join us but again we'll only be offering what we can afford," Nolan says.

Barrow winger Paul Salmon is still discussing personal terms and Leigh have also made a tentative enquiry for London Broncos forward Paul Davidson who is thought to be keen on a return north.