South Sydney star Dane Gagai could make a stunning return to the Newcastle Knights at the end of the season.
Gagai, 30, is off-contract at the end of this season, and is weighing up returning to the club he spent six years with from 2012 to 2017.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes the representative star has a “keen interest” in returning to his former club.
“You can lock this one in Newcastle fans, there’s keen, keen interest from the Knights to bring Dane Gagai back to the club,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“They believe they’re just short of an experienced strike centre and they feel Dane Gagai could fill that role.
“I believe he still owns property in Newcastle, and has a keen interest in returning to the Knights.
“Look, money speaks all languages, and whether the Knights can come up with the contract figure Dane Gagai is asking for is the question, and that’s around $500,000-$550-000.
“There are a couple of other clubs interested so he is taking his time, but there’s absolutely no doubt the Knights want him.”
Riccio believes the Knights could shed salaries of some off-contract outside backs to make room for Gagai.
“They do have a couple of off-contract outside backs at the moment the Knights, Hymel Hunt, Tex Hoy, Edrick Lee, Kurt Mann and Enari Tuala,” Riccio added.
“They can make a decision and get rid of a couple of those guys to bring Gagai in, or they can keep one or two and maybe fit him in.
“But yes, confirm it, they are definitely keen to get Dane Gagai back.”