WARRINGTON Wolves are understood to be closing in on the signing of London Broncos half-back Oli Leyland.

The Warrington Guardian understands The Wire have moved into pole position to secure the 23-year-old Kent-born pivot from next season, when it is expected the Broncos will drop back into the Championship.

With London effectively consigned to relegation by their indicative IMG grading before a ball was kicked in 2024, several Super League clubs were believed to have been eyeing up moves to keep academy graduate Leyland in the top flight.

However, it is Warrington who appear to lead the chase for his signature, with a deal believed to be edging closer to completion.

Warrington are said to have moved into pole position to sign half-back Oli Leyland from London BroncosWarrington are said to have moved into pole position to sign half-back Oli Leyland from London Broncos (Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

With the off-contract Josh Drinkwater almost certain to leave the club at the end of the year, Warrington faced being short on depth at half-back for 2025, when it is anticipated homegrown scrum-half Leon Hayes will play a more prominent role alongside George Williams.

Despite versatile veteran Stefan Ratchford signing a new deal for next year and Sam Powell, who stepped into the halves in Williams’ absence against the Broncos on Sunday, also being contracted for 2025, The Wire were reportedly keen to explore half-back options for the right price.

That search has led them to Leyland, who is among the London players to have caught the eye in Super League this year, with his 12 try assists placing him inside the competition’s top 20 assist-makers despite the Broncos having won just twice all year.

Leyland is also a solid goal-kicker having landed 26 this year and 156 in all since making his first-team debut for London in 2021.

Having been the runner-up in the Championship Young Player of the Year award in 2022, Leyland went on to play a key role in the Broncos' against-the-odds promotion to Super League the following year, scoring nine tries and kicking 78 goals in 32 games.

His younger brother Bill is also a hooker with the Broncos and while he suffered a season-ending injury during pre-season, he too has secured a Super League deal for 2025 having signed for Hull KR.

Leyland in action against Warrington on SundayLeyland in action against Warrington on Sunday (Image: Richard Blaxall/SWpix.com)