Josh Schuster could be gone from Manly "by the end of the week" according to chief executive Tony Mestrov, with the embattled star set to be released.
The 22-year-old is expected to depart the Sea Eagles effective immediately, with his $800,000 per year contract on the verge of being torn up by the club.
Schuster hasn't featured in the NRL this season, instead featuring on four occasions for feeder side Blacktown in the NSW Cup competition.
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Mestrov revealed that while a decision hasn't been finalised, Schuster has likely played his last game for the Sea Eagles and a decision may be imminent.
"Discussions are happening with Josh and his manager," he told SEN Radio.
"At the moment we haven't negotiated anything. I doubt Josh will be back playing for the Manly Sea Eagles and then we'll come to a deal, hopefully by the end of the week.
"Josh needs to go onto another club to fulfil his potential, I think everyone agrees with that. His time hasn't worked out here and we wish him all the best."
With 50 first grade appearances to his name in a variety of positions, Schuster still has his best football ahead of him and could be worth a gamble on a cut-price deal at a rival NRL club looking for a skilful back-rower.
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Schuster's fitness and weight has been a major concern during his tenure at Manly – something Mestrov acknowledged – but the club are now hopeful of a resolution that keeps the young gun's best interests in mind.
"There are performance clauses, but we don't want to go down that road," he said.
"It's not like we're all kind of there and pulling from each side, (we all have) Josh's best interests at heart, Josh wants to go and get another opportunity, he admitted it.
"Also (we have) touched base with the NRL, I think the first thing is to ensure that Josh's wellbeing and welfare is okay, obviously there's some issues there, we want to make sure he's doing ok, he's using some of our people here in the welfare department.
"I think it's been done in the best interests of Josh and the club."
At this stage, Schuster's destination after his impending exit has not been reported nor confirmed, with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan publicly denying interest in the utility.
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