Cameron Munster is set to go to the open market with the Queensland State of Origin star wanting more money out of Melbourne before recommitting.
Munster is off contract at the end of next year and will technically become a free agent on November 1, when he will be cleared to take up deals from other clubs for 2024.
The Storm have been desperate to wrap up the five-eighth all season, with his contract becoming one of the ongoing storylines of 2022.
The situation has also played out publicly, with Munster's manager and regular media talent Braith Anasta and the Dolphins publicly admitting they have commenced talks to lure him north.
Anasta claimed on Wednesday night up to four rival clubs had already made contact about his client and unless things changed Munster would remain off contract come November 1.
"Cameron is still negotiating with the Melbourne Storm at the moment. They have been unbelievable throughout the process," Anasta said on NRL360.
"(Melbourne owner) Matt Tripp is doing everything in his power to keep Cameron at the club.
"But as it stands right now it looks most likely at this point that we will go to the market in November. But things could change between now and then."
Anasta also claimed Munster was willing to take less money to stay at Melbourne, compared to what he will likely have on offer from the likes of the Dolphins.
But he is also not ready to settle yet.
Melbourne still find themselves managing one of the most difficult salary caps in the NRL, with Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and Xavier Coates all re-signed earlier this year.
Ryan Papenhuyzen also inked a new deal midway through last season while the club has had to release Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Brandon Smith and Felise Kaufusi at the end of this year.
"I think ideally Cameron and myself would like them to move more on the salary cap than where they are at right now (to stop him going to market)," Anasta said.
"When they signed Papenhuyzen, Hughes, Grant and Coates that unfortunately limited their ability to move on the cap because they prioritised those players.
"That is where we are at the moment.
"Hopefully they may be able to move somehow between now and November 1.
"It doesn't mean that he won't sign before then because he loves the club. He may sign after November."
Munster has been named at five-eighth for Friday night's clash with Brisbane, but is every chance of starting at fullback after starring in the role for the past fortnight.
