The incoming PNG Chiefs are closing in on Canberra Raiders second-rower Hudson Young, a move that could make Liam Martin an unlikely signing for the expansion side.
Martin's agent, Allan Gainey, said Young's arrival would probably end the Chiefs' chances of recruiting another representative second-rower.
"It's unlikely PNG is an option if Hudson Young goes there," Gainey told Code Sports.
Martin, 29, is on the open market and has attracted interest from several NRL clubs, but wants to give Penrith first chance to retain him.
"I've had chats with Penrith and said, 'Let me know when you are ready.
He will have other options if we want to pursue them, but I want to talk to the incumbent club first and last," Gainey said.
"Liam would like to stay at Penrith, but I know what we can get on the open market.
"A few clubs in Australia are pretty keen, so it depends how much is left in the salary cap."
Penrith is understood to be preparing a two-year extension for Nathan Cleary, which would clarify its salary-cap position and allow the club to focus on other retention priorities.
Martin is considered a key target as the Panthers seek to keep another member of their premiership-winning core beyond this season.