POOLE Pirates are set to increase their burgeoning Australian asset base with a swoop for up-and-coming Somerset Rebels star Brady Kurtz.

The Daily Echo understands Pirates are in the throes of negotiating a transfer for the 17-year-old charger who has taken the Premier League by storm during his first year in British speedway.

Having arrived at Somerset on an assessed five-point average, Kurtz made a mockery of his status with some fine form which saw his ranking rocket to 7.54 before suffering a broken arm against Ipswich in August.

Any deal could involve Kurtz, winner of the prestigious New South Wales State Championship in Australia in December, remaining on the books of his current club for a year while doubling up as a second stringer at Wimborne Road in 2015.

A spokesman for Poole told the Daily Echo: “Brady was certainly on our radar even before he came to the UK with Somerset.

"The club are quite pro-active in watching these rapidly-improving riders, it is a big part of what we do and the promotion holds Brady in high regard.

“The likes of Chris Holder and Davey Watt have gained valuable experience in the Premier League and with how he has taken so quickly to that level, Brady would make a great asset for any Elite League club.”

Meanwhile, Poole have confirmed that they have held talks with long-term target Jack Holder, brother of 2012 world champion and Pirates favourite Chris Holder.

Holder junior seems set to hit the British scene next year and is another prospect who could come into contention for a place in Poole's side.