Blow for Eels as Parramatta young gun Blaize Talagi tells club he is leaving

Parramatta are in crisis after young gun Blaize Talagi told the club he will leave at the end of the year.

His future had been under a cloud since he opted against activating an extension clause in his contract earlier this year, opting to enter the open market.

With fullback Clint Gutherson approaching the end of his career, Talagi was seen as a long-term replacement.

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The news is a particularly bitter pill for incoming coach Jason Ryles, who believed securing Talagi's signature was a top priority.

Talagi has played across the entire Eels backline in his 14 appearances this season – including three games at fullback when Gutherson was injured. He was named at centre for the Warriors clash this weekend.

In a pointed statement on Wednesday morning, Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said the decision was "disappointing".

"The club made a very strong offer to Blaize, provided a clear path for his football future and consistently made it clear to Blaize and his family that we wanted him to be part of the club long term," he said.

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"While we are disappointed, particularly given the opportunities provided to Blaize during his time at the club, we wish him all the best."

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting Talagi will likely join Penrith. He reportedly toured the Panthers recently alongside his brother.

A move to Parramatta's western Sydney rivals would further cloud the future of gun winger Brian To'o, after news broke on Tuesday he was being shopped to other clubs. Who was doing the shopping remains unclear.

9News' Danny Weidler said To'o's manager would meet with club bosses on Wednesday to raise any potential gripes.