Despite Arthur's testy relationship with Anderson, the Eels are confident the coach believes in the vision for the club and is committed to his players, so will see out the final three years of his deal after signing a contract extension in November.

Toovey and new Sea Eagles chief executive Joe Kelly are believed to have been at loggerheads over player recruitment and retention since they had a heated row in the club's offices in January over the pursuit of Souths prop Thomas Burgess.

But with Arthur all but certain to stay at Parramatta, the Eels are firmly in the box seat to snare the signature of Foran if he decides to leave Manly at the end of the season after tabling a lucrative four-year deal to the 24-year-old to join former teammate Anthony Watmough at Parramatta. They will, however, have to stave off a bid from Des Hasler and the Bulldogs.

When contacted by Fairfax Media on Friday afternoon, Kelly said that neither he nor chairman Scott Penn had made contact with Arthur about the prospect of returning to the Sea Eagles.

"Neither the chairman or CEO have had discussions with Brad Arthur whatsoever," Kelly said.