LEIGH Centurions have failed in an audacious bid to sign French international forward Jerome Guisset.

Leigh revealed they were close to a striking a deal with the 26-years-old back rower but were beaten at the last minute when Wigan moved in with a late offer.

But for Wigan's mounting injury crisis, especially in the forwards, Guisset would probably be on his way to Hilton Park.

"I've been talking to Jerome since last October and was quite hopeful that he would be joining us," said head coach Darren Abram. "But once Wigan declared their interest, it put us down the pecking order."

Guisset left Warrington at the end of last season to play rugby union with Brive in his native France but he was almost tempted back by Abram. "Jerome is a player I've had my eye on since we qualified for Super League. He's big, strong and very durable and would have been a huge asset to our squad," he added.