Mary Fowler was reportedly part of a Wests Tigers proposal that would have brought the Matildas star back to Australia to play for the Central Coast Mariners.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Fowler's pay would have been "basically double" her current Manchester City wage, making it a record A-League Women contract.
The package was part of a reported $9 million approach to Nathan Cleary, with the Tigers seeking his commitment from 2028.
According to the report, the combined deal was worth $3 million over the next three years.
Discussions with Cleary's management remained active "up until at least 96 hours ago", the newspaper reported.
Cleary is contracted to Penrith for two more seasons, with a further two-year option considered likely, but the Tigers had reportedly not received a rejection.
He has turned down the PNG Chiefs, who reportedly offered up to $8.4 million tax-free for him to join their expansion team from 2028.
Penrith has also confirmed that Cleary's younger brother Jett will return on a two-year contract starting in 2027, leaving Wests as outsiders in the pursuit.