SPECULATION is increasing that Leigh Centurions and London Broncos are on the verge of agreeing a sensational Rugby League merger.

NFP big-boys Leigh and the Super League Broncos would join forces and be catapulted into Super League next season, playing out of Hilton Park, it is reported.

Leigh and London officials have closed ranks and are refusing to comment on the speculation but it is understood that talks between the respective clubs have taken place and an announcement may be imminent.

Centurions' chairman Mike Nolan issued a terse 'no comment' statement but did admit he wants to see Leigh in Super League at the earliest opportunity.

The Broncos, who currently share The Valley with Charlton Athletic FC, look like finishing just outside the play-off places in Super League this season despite a heavy recruitment programme. Their gates at The Valley have plummeted recently and last week's clash with Huddersfield attracted just 1800 fans.

Leigh romped away with the NFP Minor Premiership, winning the Trans-Pennine Trophy along the way, but crashed out of the play-offs when they had hoped to go on and reach their second successive Grand Final and qualify for a Super League place in their own right.

The astonishing news broke in the capital when it was claimed that 21 years of professional RL in London would be brought to a close in three weeks time with Virgin, owners of the Broncos, relocating to Leigh in the game's traditional heartland next season.

Virgin have suffered huge losses since taking control four years ago but with the continued backing of Sir Richard Branson, the Broncos' chairman, they launched a huge pre-season recruitment drive that took world class stars such as Richie Barnett, Jason Hetherington and Jim Dymock to The Valley.

Lionel Hurst, the Broncos chief executive, confirmed this week that Branson was likely to step down as chairman in the near future but added that the multi-millionaire was keen to continue to support the club.

Details of a proposed merger could be put to the other 11 Super League Europe clubs when they meet in Leeds on Monday. Any merger would need the approval of Super League Europe and the Rugby Football League.