The Daily Telegraph reports Barrett, his manager Wayne Beavis and Sea Eagles boss Scott Penn met in North Sydney to nut out a potential new deal to extend his contract which expires at the end of 2018.

“We’re getting closer — it’s a process. But we’ll get there. Positive discussions,” Penn told the Daily Telegraph.

Beavis said the ball remained in Manly’s court.

“There are contingency plans, of course. The deal has got to be right. You’re never confident until the ink is on the paper,” Beavis said.

“It’s up to them. We’ve done everything we can do. We’ll see what happens.”

Barrett took Manly to a sixth-placed finish this season before being bundled out by Penrith in the first week of the finals.

The 39-year-old has done a sterling job since taking the reins for the 2016 season having dealt with significant roster changes.

“The club wouldn’t be offering an extension unless we thought he had long-term potential, absolutely,” Penn said.

“There is still a bit of work on both sides in terms of reviewing. We are going through a 2018 budget process at the moment and a big part is to map out a three-year planning process. Part of the discussions were around some of that.

“We have to let that take its course as well. We’re weeks away, certainly not months away. There are still a few things on the table we need to keep talking through.”

Barrett was reportedly on the short-lost for the vacant Bulldogs coaching position which was eventually handed to Dean Pay.

He is also in the sights of the Titans.

Penn said he was aware Barrett was well sought after.

“I’m sure there is interest in him out there,” Penn said. “We are certainly building toward positive things. We absolutely have a clear view of where we want to head.

“Trent has done a terrific job helping to rebuild the club’s culture. The club has had a massive turnover of players over the last two years and he has done a terrific job to solidify that and make sure we have the nucleus of a premiership squad for the future.

“We have a lot of younger guys who look up to Trent and want to play for him.

“There’s certainly an upgrade in there and that’s justified.”