Brighton Bears are moving closer to bringing European action to Sussex.

General manager Nick Nurse has met with officials of the North European Basketball League and expects discussions to progress in the New Year. Nurse said: "The doors are open. It's not yet time to extend invitations but they are looking at the Brighton Bears and I have sent them tapes of our two televised games. We will speak in the New Year and probably have them here on a site visit."

Birmingham are currently faring well in the NEBL Open, where they will shortly be joined by Euro-League flops London Towers.

Sheffield also hope to enter the NEBL next season.

Bears are keen to arrange more matches for the Brighton Centre.

The club have only two games at their premier venue between now and September.

Nurse reports no injury problems for tomorrow's tricky BBL clash at Newcastle Eagles (7.30pm). Eagles have signed 6ft 7ins British forward Steve Pilkington, who started the season with the now defunct Manchester Giants.