NORTH End have confirmed that talks have started with the mystery international players Craig Brown is desperate to get his hands on.

But the canny Scot is refusing to give any details away about who the potential signing is, for fear of alerting other clubs to his talent.

Brown has confirmed that he has spoken about personal terms with the player, and everything now hangs on international clearance - North End are not sure if he has played enough interational games to get a UK work permit.

The only clue Brown has given is that this situation could change by the end of the month, which narrows down the countries the player could be from.

It is thought Brown is after a defender.