Eastbourne Eagles want to add Cameron Woodward to their array of assets.

But promoter Jon Cook fears he may face a tough task persuading the young Aussie's parent club Edinburgh to sell.

Woodward has made steady progress in recent weeks after being taken on loan from the Monarchs.

He is seen as part of Cook's plan to bring through a clutch of young riders.

But the Eagles chief admits his bid to bring Woodward south permanently has barely got off the ground.

Cook said: "The people at Edinburgh are very nice. Their promoter is a decent man.

"But they are not prepared to sell. We asked to buy Cameron before he even turned a wheel for us.

"We've had no offers re-buffed by Edinburgh. We are not even talking about a fee.

"I think the plan is he will put in a transfer request at Edinburgh.

"I would expect to then go to arbitration.

"Our plan is to develop young riders and it would be ridiculous to give them experience without then following that through.

"Cameron is an important part in that."

Cook is unwilling to reveal how much he would pay for Woodward. He said: "We saw him last season and liked the look of him then.

"Cameron is talented but you have to remember he is still a relative unknown quantity."

Eagles return to action on Sunday when they host Oxford at Arlington (3.30pm).