The Cronulla Sharks are sweating on an answer from Matt Moylan by the end of this week - but there's a sizeable hitch that's currently preventing him from switching clubs.

It's been reported the Panthers have slapped a $250,000 transfer fee on Moylan; a significant deterrent for the eight clubs that have expressed interest.

But we've been told the fee applies to Moylan personally - not rival clubs. In other words, the Panthers want compensation from Moylan personally for breaking his contract.

And it's not just a one-off payment. Penrith have told Moylan they want $250,000 for every year remaining on his current deal. Given it doesn't expire until the end of 2021 that's a cool $1 million.

Where will Moylan wind up? Image: Getty More

While Moylan's Panthers contract is healthy, it's not as lucrative as many might expect. And that's said to be one of the reasons for his recent unhappiness at the foot of the mountains.

The other is his testy relationship with coach Anthony Griffin. The Panthers have emphatically backed Griffin, leaving Moylan on the outer and off-limits from selection during the finals.

Suggestions Moylan was suffering from depression and mental issues have upset the 26-year-old, according to those closest to him. That anger prompted him to open talks with rival clubs and re-uniting with former Panthers assistant Trent Barrett at Manly was his initial preference.

But it now appears the Sharks are in the box seat, despite serious interest from Wests Tigers. As revealed on Seven News on Tuesday, Moylan has spoken with Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan. We're told he walked away from that conversation very impressed with what the Shire outfit had to offer.

Panthers officials have also been in talks with their counterparts from the Sharks about Moylan. The $250,000-a-year fee was mentioned toward the end of that conversation - and left the Sharks feeing cold about their chances.

But if Penrith can secure a top line playmaking replacement - either James Maloney or Cooper Cronk - it's hard to see them maintaining a hardline stance on Moylan. His issues appear a serious hurdle to continuing in the right frame of mind at the foot of the mountains.

The club's presentation night on Wednesday is viewed as critical. Cronulla have been told they will receive an answer once it wraps up - and expect to hear whether Moylan will take up their deal on Friday.



