Storm coach Craig Bellamy reacts to ongoing speculation about St George-Illawarra Dragons Steve Price (second from left) and Craig Bellamy (second from right) at yesterday's meeting between coaches and referees. CRAIG Bellamy isn't giving any public guarantees but it's understood the champion coach has already given Storm officials a verbal pledge to stay in Melbourne. Bellamy's future is now the biggest talking point in rugby league, with St George Illawarra recently tabling a $5million offer for his services beyond this season. The Daily Telegraph believes Bellamy is poised to reject the lucrative overture, having made a commitment to finish as a one-club coach. His decision has ramifications beyond football because club owner News Ltd is keen to sell. Bellamy today released a statement through his management, reiterating his position that he had not yet decided his future. "I have not given any undertaking or made any pledge to anyone," Bellamy said. I am in constant contact with my management and with my financial and legal advisers. We are scheduling further discussions in the coming week. Hopefully, a decision is not that far off. However, The Daily Telegraph understands negotiations have progressed with a consortium of business people who are receptive to footing the bill for Bellamy's next deal. The potential buyers realise that Melbourne's value will be lessened without the man who has been primarily responsible for building the club into a modern-day super power. Bellamy has promised to make a call before Melbourne depart for their World Club Challenge clash against Leeds on February 12. That means current Dragons coach Steve Price - off-contract this year - will also learn the extent of his future within the next month. But Price wasn't showing any signs of anxiousness when he crossed paths with Bellamy yesterday at League Central, which hosted a summit between referees and coaches. Price refused to discuss his feelings, while Bellamy would only reiterate his plan to make an official announcement before Melbourne's UK trip. "I hope to have something to say then," Bellamy said. I still have a few decisions to make before I decide. Senior Storm players have talked about the future without Bellamy, and don't want officials to appoint an outside coach who might change the club's culture. They've discussed making skipper Cameron Smith a captain-coach in 2014, but the man himself ruled that option out yesterday. "All the boys are on to Bellyache (Bellamy) about moving on and making me captain-coach and make training a bit easier," the Queensland and Australia skipper said. But if we're all honest with each other ... you can't have a captain-coach. I see how many hours he puts into his work. Being captain of this club and captaining two other sides I don't think it is humanly possible. It would put a lot of stress on my family and I don't want that to happen.