The Gold Coast is close to signing its fourth player, with officials from the new NRL club hopeful of making a player announcement on Friday.

Gold Coast chairman Paul Broughton confirmed the franchise was currently negotiating with Wests Tigers forward Anthony Laffranchi, Brisbane centre Steve Michaels and Sharks fullback David Peachey.

Peachey has signed a two-year deal with Widnes, but won't link with the English Super League club if it is relegated.

It is currently in second-last place on the ladder with 11 points and is battling Wakefield (14 points) to avoid the drop.

Broughton said the franchise, which has already secured Panthers half Preston Campbell, Dragons prop Luke Bailey and Great Britain winger Brian Carney for its first season in 2007, was aiming to sign seven players by the end of the year.

"We made the statement we are trying to buy back the farm and (Laffranchi) was formerly a Gold Coast junior," Broughton said.

"The coach is still looking for a front rower, a (number) nine, 12, perhaps a seven or an eight."

After conducting a fan poll on its website, the consortium is only "two to three weeks away" from presenting a name and mascot to its board, with the Titans or the Pirates expected to edge out the Stingers as the likely name for the new club.

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