SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Shaun Johnson of the Sharks looks to pass the ball during the round nine NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Penrith Panthers at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on July 11, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Out-of-contract Sharks playmaker Shaun Johnson has been linked to a move to South Sydney as a replacement for Adam Reynolds.
Johnson is expected to leave the Sharks after his request for a $900,000 contract extension was rejected.
He was also linked to a return to the Warriors but they too were put off by his salary request.
The Daily Telegraph's James Phelps now reports South Sydney are interested in the 30-year-old in a cut price deal to replace the departing Adam Reynolds in 2022.
Johnson would be a signing in a similar mould to Benji Marshall, who resurrected his career by joining the Rabbitohs at the start of the year.
Canterbury has also shown interest in the New Zealand international, but one team who will not be making a bid for the playmaker is the Raiders who cooled their interests amid Johnson's wage demands.
Johnson was one of three Sharks told they will not be offered contract extensions this week.
Aaron Woods and Josh Dugan were also told they were not part of the club's plans going forward.
Johnson has made four appearances in 2021 since recovering from a ruptured Achilles.
Before his return from injury, Johnson said he was confident of getting a new NRL deal.
“It‘s like I’m auditioning (when I return) but in saying that I can’t let that drive me,” Johnson said.
“Whatever happens. Wherever I go, if I stay whatever I do, I know I‘ll be OK with it … I’m not sweating bullets about what’s next.”