Parramatta coach Brad Arthur isn't surprised rival NRL clubs are showing interest in Mitchell Moses but is confident the playmaker is close to signing a new deal with the Eels.
Moses is contracted to the Eels until the end of the 2024 season but has an option in his favour for the final year of that deal, meaning he would be free to negotiate with other teams at the start of November.
Reports have surfaced future Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is eager to bring the half back to the club he left mid-season in 2017 ahead of taking over at Concord Oval in 2025.
But Arthur is backing the Eels to keep Moses beyond his existing contract.
"It'd be silly to think that people aren't interested in Mitchell Moses, other clubs, but we're very keen to keep him," Arthur told reporters on Wednesday.
"He's very keen to stay.
"Those things always sort of sort themselves out when the feeling is mutual and both parties want the same outcome."
The Eels' top-four hopes took a blow last weekend with a home loss to in-form Brisbane.
Things won't get any easier for Arthur's team this Friday against premiers and competition leaders Penrith.
The Panthers head to Commbank Stadium on a revenge mission after the Eels' snatched a two-point win on enemy territory in round nine - the only loss Penrith have suffered this season.
Arthur said the teams' previous game was a fantastic contest and his team would need to repeat their 80-minute effort to get a similar outcome against the Panthers.
"We need to make sure that Friday night we come with the effort but then also we've got to improve our execution, especially against the best," he said.
"If you don't execute well you're not going to give yourself a chance."
