Melbourne Storm are resigned to losing one of the cornerstones of their NRL premiership success - assistant coach Michael Maguire.

Head coach Craig Bellamy said Maguire was in the sights of English Super League club Wigan, who could secure him within days.

Maguire confirmed he had spoken with Wigan and would have further talks over the next week.

But he said he was by no means certain to secure the role, with arranging a suitable visa the most likely stumbling block.

"It's not a done deal - far from it," Maguire told AAP.

"There's still work to be done yet."

Brian Noble vacated the Wigan post at the weekend after four years, clearing the way for Maguire to step in.

Bellamy was more certain that his assistant would get the job - the Storm boss a long-time champion of Maguire's credentials for a head coaching role.

Bellamy has consistently expressed surprise that Maguire has not already been snapped up by a rival NRL club and all but implored Wigan to give Maguire the head coach's job he craved.

"I think Michael will certainly go if he gets a visa," Bellamy said.

"He has done a great job for us. He is a very talented coach and he thinks he is ready for a head coach's job and I think he is too.

"I'm not quite sure how the visa is going. That is what he wants to do and he'll certainly get the blessing from our club without a doubt."

Current Wigan reserves coach Shaun Wane, a former Warriors prop, is also in the running.

But he is more likely to be appointed Maguire's assistant should the Australian's visa arrangements go to plan.

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