Cronulla is in the process of putting forward a mammoth offer for Daly Cherry-Evans which would make the star halfback the highest-paid player in NRL history.

Having just secured the services of Ben Barba from Brisbane, the Sharks are now attempting to prise his close mate from Manly on a seven-figure-per-season deal. Some of the cash Cronulla freed up from sacking Todd Carney has been spent on securing Barba, although the Broncos will continue to pay part of the former Canterbury fullback's wages as part of his release. However, there are still funds available for a marquee player and the war chest is likely to grow should the wooden spooners opt against re-signing a number of players coming off contract at the end of 2015.

Multimillion-dollar lure: Cronulla want to snatch Daly Cherry-Evans from Manly. Credit:Getty Images

Barba and Cherry-Evans are close mates from their days playing junior football in Mackay and the signing of the former increases the chances of the latter following suit. It was even reported that Barba stayed with 'DCE' in Sydney when he was nutting out the final details of his Cronulla contract.

Cherry-Evans and Sea Eagles halves partner Kieran Foran are off contract at the end of next year and will be the most sought-after players on the open market. The Gold Coast are keen to tempt Cherry-Evans back to Queensland, while Parramatta, Canterbury and the Roosters are the clubs most likely to shift Foran from Brookvale. Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn has stated his intention to secure their services long term before Christmas but few clubs will be able to compete with the financial package the Sharks are offering Cherry-Evans.