Canterbury are seeking a stronger option at lock for 2027, with off-contract Manly forward Caleb Navale attracting the Bulldogs' interest.
Navale is regarded as one of the game's leading young forwards and could have a major role at Manly next season.
He has made 12 NRL appearances, with injury setbacks limiting his progress, and was one of Fiji's best players at the recent Rugby League World Cup.
In Manly's final three games of 2026, he came off the bench but played big minutes each time.
He scored against Newcastle in Round 25, ran for 160 metres against St George Illawarra in Round 26, then made 62 tackles and missed two against the New Zealand Warriors in Round 27.
The Bulldogs have several potential lock options, but are seeking an upgrade after Bailey Hayward came to be viewed as a dummy half and Kurt Mann moved to the Wests Tigers.
Mann was not offered a new deal at the end of 2026, while Navale is seen as a possible answer at number 13.
Manly are believed to be in talks with Navale and are keen to keep him, though their salary cap is tight and could be further strained if they secure a deal with Tom Trbojevic.
The club has also recently been linked with possible departures for Luke Brooks and Jamal Fogarty.