If social websites are to be believed, then South African defender Vanes-Mari du Toit will be suiting up for the Steel next season.
The 23-year-old responded to suggestions she has signed with the Steel for 2013 with this post on her Twitter account: "Nothing confirmed yet, but negotiations are underway (sic)".
But Steel chief executive David Bannister has denied the franchise is negotiating a deal with the athletic goal keep.
"She hasn't spoken to me and she hasn't spoken to Janine [Southby, Steel coach]," he said.
"But that's not saying we don't want to talk to her," he added.
"Especially from what she has being putting out on court."
The move certainly makes sense on one level. The departure of Australian defender Demelza McCloud and retirement of former Silver Fern Sheryl Scanlan has left the Steel short-handed on defence.
The development of Storm Purvis has been a pleasant surprise and the recruitment of Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick should help plug a gap. But the Steel could definitely use a defender of du Toit's calibre.
The problem is, using the import slot is a delicate balancing act. Teams look for a dynamic player who can make a difference or fill a perceived weakness.
Du Toit, who flew into Wellington yesterday for the New Zealand leg of the Quad Series, has been playing well for South Africa but is she any better than Purvis or Tone-Fitzpatrick?
And with shooter Donna Wilkins also not returning for the combined Otago-Southland team in 2013, the Steel must be torn between looking for a quality shooter to replace Wilkins or grabbing the next best available defender.
"I wouldn't say we are torn.
"We have a couple of options in front of us at the moment. We are talking to numerous players for the final few spots.
"It will depend on how those discussions turn out to ultimately see where we see our import being used, whether that be in the shooting circle or in the defence."
There is a school of thought that Otago shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit has served a two-year apprenticeship with the Steel and is ready for a starting role alongside Silver Fern Jodi Brown in the shooting circle.
Going into a campaign with just one proven shooter is a risky business but, equally, players of her ability must be given opportunities.
Both Brown and Selby-Rickit are committed for 2013 and the midcourt is set with Courtney Tairi and Shannon Francois agreeing to terms, and Wendy Frew returning from a year off to start a family.
Experienced midcourter Phillipa Finch is also expected to return.
