Manly, Cronulla and Newcastle are all chasing the NSW halfback with Pearce nearing a decision after being released by the Bondi club following the signing of star Kangaroo and Maroon Cooper Cronk.

And with the pre-season underway, Pearce is keen to have his future sorted, which could be as early as this week.

He met with the Knights on Friday with the club from the Hunter having the funds to trump all others.

But money aside, Nathan Brown’s team is rebuilding and likely won’t be in premiership contention for some time.

The Sea Eagles have a considerably stronger roster and are a genuine prospect for short-term premiership glory with Pearce and coach Trent Barrett also enjoying a close relationship.

Manly CEO Lyall Gorman confirmed his club was doing all it could to lure Pearce north of the bridge.

"We're very keen to get Mitch if we can," Gorman told AAP.

"We're certainly still engaged in meaningful discussion with him through his agent.

"We've got a great respect for his football heritage. I know his family very well. I know Mitch, he's a really great person and a natural leader.

"Our playing group and coach rate him highly. I rate him highly on and off the field and we'll see where that goes in the next couple of weeks."

Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans has already offered up his No.7 jersey to Pearce and will shift to five-eighth should he make the move to Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

"He'd offset Daly very nicely," Gorman said.

"He'd add a bit more flair and diversity. He's a natural leader, an organiser, a perfectionist, and an elite talented footballer."