The Sydney Roosters are adamant they have not agreed to a deal with rugby league wild child Todd Carney, but that doesn't mean they don't want him wearing the tri-colours in 2010.

Reports emerged on Thursday that the Roosters had agreed to a deal in principle with the disgraced former Canberra playmaker that would see him become a Rooster for the next four years.

The deal was said to be engineered by Roosters recruitment officer Peter O'Sullivan, though both O'Sullivan and Carney's manager David Riolo denied any agreement had been struck.

"Peter said we hadn't signed Todd Carney, his manager said we hadn't signed him, so we haven't signed him," Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce said.

"(O'Sullivan) put his hand up a couple of weeks ago, he was honest and said that he was looking at him (Carney) and that he may be a consideration down the track, but that's a long way down the track."

Speculation has been rife as to the playing future of Carney, who was sacked by the Raiders midway through last year after a string of off-field indiscretions, most of which had been fuelled by alcohol.

Part of the Raiders decision to release Carney was that the NRL did not allow him to sign with a rival club in 2009, a request the NRL granted as they indicated they would not register a contract with Carney until 2010 at the earliest.

The 22-year-old is currently attempting to get his life back on track playing rugby league for the Atherton Roosters in far north Queensland, and his ability to stay out of trouble there could dictate whether he gets another start in the NRL.

In addition to the Roosters, Penrith and St George Illawarra are also believed to be keen on giving the Country Origin representative a start next season, and Roosters coach Brad Fittler is adamant the talented playmaker was worth taking a chance on.

"We, like a few other clubs, are looking at Todd Carney, hopefully he does alright at the Atherton Roosters, gets himself sorted and back in rugby league before we know it," Fittler said.

"I think Todd Carney's a talent, there's no doubt. He has issues like most of us, if he can get through them he's a good player and it would be a shame to lose a player like that to rugby league.

"I suppose how he goes up there will be an indication about whether clubs go further in bringing him to their club."

Asked if he thought the potential signing of Carney would bring more bad press to the Roosters and the NRL, Fittler said:

"It doesn't seem to matter ... we seem to be copping a hammering at the moment."

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