Pending a release from St Helens, exiled NRL star Ben Barba is set to sign with the Cowboys, but it may come at the expense of premiership-winning fullback Lachlan Coote.
The English club will seek financial compensation or a worthwhile replacement for Barba, and Coote may be included in a swap according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The former Dally M Medal winner and premiership Shark was suspended by the league following his cocaine scandal in 2016, but his since been in blistering form for the Saints.
The 29-year old has scored 29 tries in as many appearances for St Helens, and is the favourite to win the Super League's Man of Steel, awarded the best player in the competition.
Saints coach Justin Hoolbrook praised Coote earlier in the week, adding fuel to the idea that he may be acquired in a Barba trade.
The Cowboys are still looking to add Queensland star Valentine Holmes, whose future is clouded amid the Sharks' salary cap disrepute.
