ANY approach from Cronulla Sharks for Warrington Wolves head coach Steve Price “will not be entertained,” Wire chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick says.

The NRL club are looking for a new head coach after previous incumbent Shane Flanagan was deregistered for breaching the terms of a previous ban.

Price was working as an assistant coach under Flanagan at Cronulla and helped them to an NRL Premiership title in 2016 before joining The Wire last year.

There had been rumours linking Price with a return to the Sharks, but Fitzpatrick slammed the door shut on the prospect of the Wolves boss returning to Australia.

“Steve will be here with us next year, that’s a guarantee,” he said.

“Obviously Cronulla are looking for someone to come in immediately and coach them for 2019, but Steve is under contract here.

“Any approach would be unwelcome and will not be entertained.

“With the fact he’s been at Cronulla before and did a fantastic job as assistant coach, it doesn’t surprise us that his name is being mentioned.

“He helped them to their maiden Grand Final and they know all about his credentials.

“He’s come over here and done brilliantly in his first year so we’re not shocked.”

After taking over from Tony Smith, Price led Warrington to Challenge Cup Final and Super League Grand Final appearances in his first season with the club as well as a fourth-place finish in Super League.

His initial contract with The Wire is due to expire at the end of the 2019 campaign, but Fitzpatrick confirmed to the Guardian that talks to extend that deal are progressing nicely.

He says the aim is for Price to agree upon and sign an extended deal before their Super League season gets underway on February 2.

“We’re in talks with Steve and his agent,” he said.

“We’re in deep discussions in terms of an extension and we’re sure we’ll get a positive outcome.

“At the moment, talks are at a real positive stage and we’ll be able to update the supporters accordingly soon.

“Hopefully, everything will be signed off and confirmed before the start of the season.”