Cronulla Sharks have ruled themselves out of a move for Ben Barba should the explosive full-back agree an early exit from his St Helens contract.

Barba's future in the Super League has come under intense scrutiny with reports he is looking to be released from the final year of his contract at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

A return to Cronulla – where Barba won the 2016 title – has been mooted as NRL clubs line-up to battle for the 29-year-old's signature.

However, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan says Barba would be an outlay they cannot afford.

"He's an important player, but at the moment Benny Barba is off the market for us," Flanagan said.

"Originally we were of the understanding that his club wouldn't be letting him go and I know one thing - that money doesn't grow on trees out here in the Shire.

"He's a great player and he's part of the club's history and if we could get him back we'd get him back, but it's not going to be possible with the salary cap and the position we're in at the moment.

"We've decided that we want to invest in Val [Valentine Holmes] long term here at the club and that's bubbling away behind the scenes and hopefully that comes off and Val will be our number one."

Barba is the leading try scorer in Super League this season with 24 scores, while he has also provided 22 assists.