New Zealand have become the leading contender for Bulldogs back-rower Adam Elliot, with the 25-year-old having already been in discussions with several rival clubs in hope of a move away from Belmore, reports Fox Sports.

Elliot declined a contract extension with Canterbury in hope of indulging in the open market, with Brent Read revealing on Triple M that the Auckland-based club are now the leading name for Elliot's signature.

โ€œAdam Elliott has been on the radar of a few clubs in recent weeks,โ€ Read said

โ€œCanterbury made him an offer, but he decided to look around the market. The Dragons were interested. Canberra were interested before they signed Corey Harawira-Naera.

โ€œAnd the Warriors are right in for Adam Elliott. In fact they had more talks with him this week as I understand it.

โ€œAt the moment I think the Warriors are the frontrunners to nab him. They have had a lash at a few blokes. They went after Matt Lodge, David Fifita and Tino Faโ€™asuamaleaui.

โ€œThey went after all those guys and missed out and now Adam Elliott is firmly on the radar.

โ€œI think we are getting close to a decision from Adam Elliott and I think the Warriors are at the front of the queue.โ€

Mark Geyer had pieced Elliot with a move to Wests Tigers recently, but believes a switch across the Tasman could be the best deal for both parties.

โ€œYou would think the Warriors have got to pay overs to get him so that is probably the most attractive offer for him,โ€ Geyer said.

โ€œBut look I rate him. I think he is a fantastic player and he will bring energy to any club.โ€