Trent Barrett could be the new coach of the Cronulla Sharks if Shane Flanagan is shown the door.

Barrett previously played for the Sharks and was most recently quit as Manly boss and was subsequently replaced by Des Hasler.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Flanagan is facing some serious issues.

It is alleged Flanagan was making contact with Sharks officials consistently throughout 2014 – when he was banned for his part in the peptide scandal.

Cronulla is also fighting off an NRL investigation into salary cap breaches.

The NRL could hand down their findings into the salary cap matter as early as next week.