considered another option for Johnson as a replacement for Cooper Cronk, however that space wouldn't open up until the end of next season.

Parramatta are another club who could be in the market for a half at that point, with both Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman off contract at the end of 2019.

The pair have reportedly been shopped around in recent months, with the Eels in a tight fit on their salary cap as shown by their struggles to re-sign Jarryd Hayne before his latest off-field developments.

Regardless, Johnson's departure would leave the Warriors scrambling to find a halfback next year to partner Blake Green.

It's potentially why they refused to release him when he met with chief executive Cameron George and coach Stephen Kearney on Tuesday.

George has not returned callsfrom AAP on the matter.

Their backup for the last two seasons, Mason Lino, has left for the Newcastle Knights.

Johnson's form has been inconsistent in recent years, including this year's campaign in which they reached the finals for the first time since his debut in 2011.

His current two-year contract was believed to be a club record seven figure deal.

©AAP2018