The Greg Inglis mystery could be solved within the next 48 hours with Brisbane far from out of the race for his hotly contested signature.

It's been more than three weeks since Brisbane put forward their official offer in the vicinity of $400,000 a season.

After releasing several players to keep under budget in 2011, salary cap rorters Melbourne are now better positioned to fend off bids for their superstar centre who is also considering offers from the Titans and South Sydney.

The battle for Inglis could be known within the next day or two following a series of talks in the past week involving his manager Allan Gainey, Melbourne and NRL salary cap chief Ian Schubert.

It's understood the sticking point remains the exit payment Melbourne would have to make to top up Inglis's reported $650,000-a-season contract should he go to another NRL club next season.

However it's believed the negotiating parties are very close to making a decision on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Reports on Monday suggested both the Titans and Broncos were resigned to Inglis staying with the Storm.

While Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle was prepared to wave the white flag, Brisbane officials were not giving up on securing Inglis, a perfect fit to replace AFL-bound Israel Folau.

The club would not comment on Monday on speculation they'd missed their man.

In fact they continued to maintain the quiet confidence they've displayed since Inglis's agent contacted them last month to gauge the club's interest after it emerged the Storm may be unable to keep their "Fab Four" of Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.

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