Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has admitted the club is pushing for Bronson Xerri to join immediately as the June 30 deadline approaches for clubs to sign players for this season.

Nine’s Danny Weidler revealed on the weekend that Xerri will join the Storm on a three-year deal, rejecting the Eels’ offer.

Bronson Xerri. Getty Images

Xerri has had a troubled year at the Bulldogs after he was dropped following the Las Vegas opener before reports he was looking for a way out of the club.

Weidler reported that the Bulldogs were considering releasing Xerri before June 30 but could be interested in a player swap.

After Melbourne’s 30-4 loss to Manly, Bellamy was asked where negotiations stand for an early release with the club also looking at Dolphins forward Oryn Keeley.

“We’d love to get a couple of new players in to bolster our depth,” he said.

“I’m not quite sure what’s happening with both those guys or any other guys for that matter. Obviously June 30 is not far away … hopefully in the next couple of days we’ll find out.”

Bellamy was excited by the prospect of bringing Xerri to the club as he tries to rejuvenate his career.

“Yeah (it’s exciting), if we can get him. I’m not quite sure, anything can happen, I’ve been concentrating on this week,” he said.

“But it’ll be good if we can get a player or two for the rest of the year, it’s been a horror injury toll.

“If we don’t get them, we’ve got to get back up and be more consistent. This afternoon, I’m not sure why we couldn’t do in the first half what we did in the second half.”

The Storm’s inconsistent season continued at Brookvale Oval with Manly leading 24-0 at half-time.

Melbourne’s defence kicked into gear after the break, conceding only one try from Ben Trbojevic while Will Warbrick was the only tryscorer for the Storm.

The Storm’s need for an outside back was clear before the season started when they pursued Zac Lomax after his R360 deal didn’t come to fruition.

Craig Bellamy and Harry Grant after Melbourne’s loss to Manly. Nine

Lomax’s move was blocked by the Eels, leaving Melbourne short of a strike player on the edges.

Injuries haven’t helped the season either, with Eli Katoa ruled out before it started due to concussion.

Xavier Coates will miss the whole season too after an Achilles injury while Tui Kamikamica played four matches before a medical episode ruled him out as well.

Currently, Nick Meaney, Jack Howarth and Manaia Waitere are on the injury list too.