Manly is also pursuing extensions for Tom Trbojevic and fullback succession candidate Lehi Hopoate, with two-year deals reportedly on the table.
Salary-cap concerns have surfaced, but chief executive Jason King has rejected claims the club is in trouble.
"We have some challenges to work through, but that's part of running an NRL club," chief executive Jason King told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald reports Caleb Navale's camp has rejected Manly's latest contract offer, raising the prospect of the club losing the young forward.
The 23-year-old Fijian international has stood out for the Bati at the 2026 World Cup, with strong ball-playing and leg drive suited to the modern game.
Navale is viewed as a potential long-term lock, succeeding Jake Trbojevic when he retires.
He is contracted until the end of 2027 but can speak with rival clubs about a deal beyond next season, and other teams are expected to show interest.