The Knights are in danger of losing promising five-eighth Brock Lamb before the start of next season if they are successful in signing Mitchell Pearce.

The Newcastle Herald understands that Manly, who are also in the market for Pearce, are eyeing Lamb as a contingency if they strike out in their bid to recruit the former Roosters playmaker.

Future up in the air: Manly are in the market for Newcastle's Brock Lamb as a contingency buy. Credit:Marina Neil

The bid to sign Pearce is now a three-horse race – between Newcastle, Manly and Cronulla – after Melbourne officials said on Monday they had pulled out.

Manly have been widely touted as the favourites, but reports that Pearce's manager, Steve Gillis, is travelling to Newcastle later this week to meet with Wests Group/Knights chief executive Phil Gardner would suggest that the 28-year-old is still considering the option of leaving Sydney.