Sheffield Eagles may bid to get Jake Speeding back on loan

The St Helens centre enjoyed a fruitful spell in South Yorkshire before returning to the Super League heavyweights last month.

Aston was highly impressed with the 20-year-old, who recently featured in Saints’ defeat to Warrington Wolves.

With England international Mark Percival representing his country, Spedding was given an unexpected chance, but Aston is still confident of being reacquainted with the youngster as he looks to land a similar short term deal.

“At the moment he is very much in the frame at St Helens, and good luck to him because he has earned the right to play in their side,” Aston told The Star.

“Does that mean we get an opportunity to bring him back here at a later date? Yeah, possibly. When Percival is with them, will he get the same opportunities?

“I am in contact with Jake’s agent, he is on that. He has spoken to them. As much as Jake wants to play for St Helens, if he isn’t playing then he wants to be back here playing for Sheffield Eagles. He has really enjoyed his time here, which is great to hear, and he doesn’t really want to be looking anywhere else. He wants to be here playing. There is certainly scope that if he isn’t playing there, he could come back.”

Aston has reiterated in recent weeks that he is keen on adding to his ranks following the recent signing of winger Paddy Flynn.

He confirmed to The Star that he is close to two deals with targets in France, but has also stated he is continuing to monitor the domestic scene.

“We are certainly looking to add to our squad, we have made no secret that we want to strengthen,” Aston reaffirmed.

“We are tight in terms of numbers. We know that if we start to get any injuries we could be thin on the ground.”