THE BRISBANE Lions are on the cusp of re-signing coveted ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, with the deal expected to be finalised in the next week.
Leuenberger is out of contract at the end of this year and has been the target of much speculation, including reported interest from Greater Western Sydney.
Lions list manager Rob Kerr has confirmed out-of-contract trio Leuenberger, Daniel Rich and Pearce Hanley are all close to re-signing, but the 204cm ruckman's signature appears imminent.
"I think with Matthew Leuenberger we're very, very close to getting a deal and we're not far away with Daniel. We've been talking about Pearce and working through that as well," Kerr said.
"I'd like to think that in the next couple of weeks, even within the next week for one of them, there'd be some positive news."
Leuenberger told AFL.com.au in May that he had no desire to head anywhere else, and Kerr said the negotiations with his manager Paul Connors had gone smoothly.
The West Australian has played 77 career games in his seven seasons and is currently sidelined with a dislocated thumb.
He is an outside chance of returning this week against Fremantle.
Leuenberger has made a storming return in eight games this season after missing all-but three matches in 2012 with an Achilles injury.
Kerr said re-signing the star trio was a priority for the Lions.
"You'd have to consider them in the top bracket of most valuable players on our list," he said.
"In Matthew's case he's expressed a desire to stay in Brisbane as the other two boys have, so I think those ones are headed in the right direction."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
