Burgess Souths deal close

South Sydney Rabbitohs are close to signing Sam Burgess from Bradford Bulls, according to media reports in Australia.

The England star, who has been tipped with moves to West Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles in the past, has apparently signed a three-year deal with the Russell Crowe owned Rabbitohs.

Bradford would be entitled to a transfer fee as Burgess is still under contract until the end of the 2011 season but has a clause allowing him to move for free next season. It is thought that the chances of losing one of their star players for nothing has made them re-think about accepting offers from overseas.

Souths Chief Executive Shane Richardson told the Sunday Telegraph: “We’ve been in discussions with Sam for some time now, but I’ve got no further comment to make on the situation at this stage.”