Panthers table offer to Ivan Cleary

Penrith have offered Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary a long-term deal to leave the Tigers, and re-unite with the Panthers from next season.

NRL.com are reporting the four-year deal would see Cleary sign on as coach until the end of the 2022 season, and would likely in turn see his son and star Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary re-sign on a multi-year deal to remain playing under his father.

With the Tigers reportedly closing on in bringing Nathan over to the joint venture club to work alongside Ivan, the Panthers have turned the tables and are now on the verge of luring Ivan back to Penrith for his second stint at the foot of the mountains.

Ivan reportedly met with Panthers officials two weeks ago about potentially returning to the club, with Cleary having a strong relationship with Penrith chairman Dave O'Neill.

However, Tigers chairwoman Marina Go spoke to NRL.com on Monday night, and said the club would not grant Cleary and early release from his contract if he asked for one.

"It is my view that Ivan will be with the Wests Tigers as head coach for at least another two years as he has a contract with us," Go said.