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SYDNEY - Greg Bird's manager has denied the troubled NRL star has accepted a release offer from Cronulla to play in England next season.
The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader newspaper reported that Bird was negotiating a release of less than A$100,000 ($120,470) a year to head to Britain.
On a contract of A$360,000 a season, Bird was believed to have initially sought a payout of A$250,000.
However, the Australia and NSW Origin player's manager Gavin Orr denied the reports, saying Bird had not accepted any offer put forward by the Sharks.
"There's no release been accepted and I don't know where they've got that information from," Orr said.
"There's no offer been accepted by Greg Bird or his management."
Bird was stood down by the Sharks after he was charged by police with the alleged assault of his girlfriend in August.
He was continuing to be paid by the club while he was stood down.
"He is keen to expedite his visa application, to play in England," an unnamed source told the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.
Super League clubs Wigan and Warrington are among those believed to be interested signing the lock.
Bird would have to fly back to Sydney in April to face charges over the alleged assault.
- AAP