The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that Parramatta had made a last-ditch bid to the Knights to release Klemmer to them for the rest of this campaign.

But Klemmer told the Newcastle Herald by text message: "No not true. I'm committed to the club."

The Knights are out of finals contention, while the Eels are currently sixth and look set to feature prominently in the play-offs.

The report said that Knights coach Adam O'Brien and club officials were considering Parramatta's approach.

Parramatta would need to have signed the towering front-rower by midnight on Monday, under the NRL's August 1 cut-off date for mid-season transfers.

The Eels have reportedly also been knocked back by Manly, after seeking permission to loan out Marty Taupau.

A loan deal with the Eels for Klemmer would reportedly have saved the Knights around $200,000 on the salary cap, which could then be spent next year.

Klemmer remains under contract to Newcastle for 2023.

The 14th-placed Knights might be also-rans in terms of the finals, but there is still plenty to play for, as they appear certain to feature in a dogfight for the wooden spoon over the final five rounds of the season.