7Sport reports the NSW star has told close friends the Sea Eagles are is preference should he leave the Panthers.

The 26-year-old is close to Trent Barrett who was formerly an assistant at Penrith.

And with more than $1 million freed up following the retirements of injured duo Brett Stewart and Steve Matai, Manly has the money to make it happen.

Moylan is being courted by eight clubs, however, his close association with Barrett and a desire to live close to the beach could see him in the famous maroon and white in 2018.

The Sharks were touted as contenders via a straight swap with James Maloney, but the Sea Eagles are now considered frontrunners should he leave the foot of the mountains.

Moylan is currently on ‘personal leave’ and is expected to relinquish the club captaincy.

The Panthers were reportedly unhappy with his attitude towards rehabilitation on an injury causing a rift with coach Anthony Griffin.