Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has strongly denied reports that his club has made a multi-million dollar offer to sign Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney.
Gould confirmed that he and Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett wined and dined Mahoney at the Chinese restaurant within Canterbury Leagues Club earlier this week, but declared money was not discussed.
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“There is really nothing to it at this stage other than that we had a nice dinner with Reed,” Gould told Wide World of Sports.
“I wanted him to meet our people. He’s a very impressive young man.
“There has certainly be no formal offer at this stage – it was very much preliminary discussions.
“If Reed shows a genuine interest in being a Bulldog, we would be keen for further talks.
“We shall see what the future brings.”
The Sydney Morning Herald wrote that the Bulldogs can pay Mahoney $650,000 over four years, while the Eels will offer him $450,000 over three years.
Several other clubs, including the Titans, are also keen to snare the talented dummy-half.
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