Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster is being heavily pursued by seven rival clubs, including the Titans and Cowboys, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
Melbourne are looking to open contract talks with the Queensland Origin star, who is reportedly keen to test his value on the open market from November 1, when he can begin negotiating with rival clubs.
Munster could field offers worth as much as $1 million per season, a figure the Storm may not be prepared to match.
The Titans have identified Munster as a key target, and coach Gareth Brennan said he would love to add the 23-year old.
“I am massive fan of Munster,” said Brennan ahead of his side's clash with the Storm this Saturday.
“We can’t make a formal offer until November 1, but if Cam is in the market, we’d like to have a chat to him.
“There is room for us to afford Munster down the track and there’s no doubt a guy like him would be fairly marketable as well. That’s something to look at for our club. He is an Origin and Australian representative and one of the best players in the competition.
“The reality is it will be hard to compete against the Roosters and Cowboys. Usually, if the Roosters want someone, they get them, but Munster is a super player and could bring something to our club.”
The Roosters are another club that could swipe up Munster should veteran Cooper Cronk exit the club, which would free up the necessary cap space. Munster will have ties Sydney, with current Melbourne assistant Adam O'Brien set to join the club next season.
But it appears that Melbourne are in the box seat to retain their star five-eighth, which was confirmed by their football operations chief Frank Ponissi.
“We are very confident of retaining ‘Munny’ — he is an important player for us to keep at the club long-term,” Ponissi said.
“He and his manager have been very open and transparent and we are aware of the interested clubs.
“The demand for him doesn’t surprise us at all. It’s a compliment to him.
“Munny has indicated his very strong desire to stay in Melbourne so the onus is on us to make him a fair and reasonable offer.
“However, Cameron has also told us that he does not want to discuss his future at all until after the finals. We have never seen him so focused going into the finals and we are very excited to see him like this.”