Eastmond set for new Saints deal

Eastmond has starred for England in the Four Nations tournament

England and St Helens scrum-half Kyle Eastmond has told BBC Sport that he expects to sign a new contract with the club shortly.

The precocious 20-year-old, who will start in Saturday's Four Nations Final against Australia, had been linked with a move to rugby union.

"We're hoping to get something sorted out early next week," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I just want to get it done and dusted and get on with my season and career."

Eastmond, who has been with the Knowsley Road club since he was 13, is seen as the successor to Sean Long, who has left the club for Hull FC.

He scored all of Saints' points in their 18-10 Grand Final defeat to Leeds at Old Trafford in October and has made a big impact in the end-of-season tournament.

"It's been a great year for me - one I didn't expect," he added.

"To me, St Helens are the best club are in the Super League - why wouldn't you want to play for them?"

Eastmond is one of the most highly rated young talents in the sport, with former Great Britain and Wigan great Jason Robinson - with whom he has been compared - offering high praise on his potential.

"He's been likened to myself but in many ways I wasn't as talented as him at his age, with his ball-handling skills and his kicking," said Robinson.

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Eastmond was one of three players shortlisted for Super League's Young Player of the Year award, but lost out to his England half-back partner Sam Tomkins.