Foran is off contract at the end of this season and the Daily Telegraph reported on Saturday that the Knights were one option he was considering, largely because of a desire to play alongside childhood friend Mitchell Pearce.

O'Brien said the report surprised him because the club had never discussed Foran as a potential recruitment target.

The 30-year-old is one of the NRL's highest-paid players but injuries have restricted him to 61 games over the past five seasons.

"I don't know why that came up or how we got linked to it," O'Brien told the Newcastle Herald.

"But no, we're not in the market for Kieran Foran. We haven't even discussed him."

Versatile Kurt Mann has played all 12 games this season as Pearce's scrumbase partner and is in the best form of his career.

Waiting behind him for an opportunity are rookies Tex Hoy and Phoenix Crossland, who have both been identified as long-term future first-graders.

"I'm very happy with how Kurt's going, and then we've got the young kids coming through as well," O'Brien said.

"I guess if it was someone to help us for this year, if we'd had a lot of injuries, you'd think about looking at it.

"But as for next year, I'll be backing the kids and won't be bringing in anyone over the top of them."

O'Brien said Newcastle's recruitment priority for next year would probably be a young front-rower.

The Knights are losing Kiwi international Herman Ese'ese to Gold Coast at the end of this season, and there is concern that Queensland Origin workhorse Tim Glasby might be forced to retire after suffering a series of concussions.

Foran said after Canterbury's 18-16 loss to Parramatta on Sunday that he hoped to have his future settled soon.

"It would be nice to get it done within the next few weeks for sure," he said.

"There is obviously a process that needs to go through from both sides. I'm really comfortable with what the club need to do in that regard. And they're respectful of what I need to do.

"There is a real genuine respect from both sides. Hopefully we are able to sort something out."

He was hopeful of staying at Canterbury, acknowledging: "The club has been pretty patient with me."

Pearce and Foran have been mates since their days at St Ives North Primary School and progressed to represent Australian Schoolboys together.

Pearce debuted for the Roosters in 2007, as a 17-year-old, and Foran broke into Manly's top side two years later, at the age of 18.

Foran's older brother, Liam, is playing this season with Cessnock Goannas, after winning the Group 21 player-of-the-year award with Aberdeen last year.

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN OTHER NEWS