SOUTH Sydney have refused Dylan Walker an immediate release to join Manly after the Australian Test centre was offered a four-year deal to join the Sea Eagles next season.

Walker looked like being squeezed out of South Sydney as a result of the Sam Burgess-sparked salary cap saga.

But just days after he was told he could talk to rival clubs as Souths attempt to free up salary cap space to accommodate Burgess’ return, the Rabbitohs have performed a stunning reversal and have now denied Walker a request to be released from the final season of his deal.

Walker was told on Wednesday he would be staying at Redfern until the end of 2016 despite agreeing a deal to join Jamie Lyon, Daly Cherry-Evans and Brett Stewart in a potent Manly backline next season.

But in a move that has left Manly officials upset, coach Michael Maguire has returned from a trip to the UK and told Walker he would not sign his release papers.

Walker’s manager refused to confirm or deny the South Sydney situation when contacted on Thursday night.

“Sorry but I am not in a position to make any comment whatsoever on the Walker-Souths situation,’’ respected NRL agent Allan Gainey told The Daily Telegraph.

“The club may be the only avenue for comment.’’

Despite the setback, Manly remain confident of snaring Walker for 2016.

“Give it 48 hours, things will change,” a source close to the deal said yesterday.

It is understood Walker wants out of Redfern and is hopeful Souths will still be forced to let him go despite Maguire’s desire to keep him at the club for at least one more year.

“It is a delicate situation,’’ said the official.

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media_camera Walker has been widely tipped to join Manly.

“Lots of things are in motion and the pieces need to fall in place.’’

Walker was expected to be the latest in a line of Sea Eagles signings after it was revealed the club was manoeuvring to offload players including Jamie Buhrer, Peta Hiku, Brenton Lawrence and Josh Starling.

Maguire did not return calls on Thursday night.

The Rabbitohs are now expected to turn their attention to their forward pack with Chris McQueen rumoured to be the player in their immediate sights.

The former State of Origin forward has been linked to a Queensland homecoming with the Gold Coast Titans speculated as a potential home.

Penrith, St George, Parramatta, the Gold Coast and Melbourne had also expressed interest in Walker.