CARLTON and Essendon are in the hunt to lure Sydney Swan Ryan O’Keefe as the out-of-contract forward assesses his options after failing to find a new home during AFL trade week.
Just six players switched clubs but O’Keefe, the highest-profile player linked to deals throughout the week, failed in his bid to return to his native Melbourne.
O’Keefe had initially wanted to be traded to Hawthorn but neither club – the Swans or the Hawks – could come to an agreement that satisfied both parties.
The Swans hope to convince O'Keefe to stay, however, they now face the possibility of losing him for nothing, with the 27-year-old able to nominate for December's NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
The Age reports that Carlton and Essendon are the big contenders for O'Keefe's services should he put himself in the pre-season draft, with both clubs having the salary cap room to accommodate the talented goalkicker.
Carlton coach Brett Ratten said the Blues were yet to re-sign all of their required players but, if needed, they could make room for O’Keefe.
"I think we are not too far off it and we know that in a couple of years Brendan (Fevola) goes onto the veterans list so that is the scope for us to get movement," Ratten told Saturday's The Age.
"Maybe with other clubs they don't have that luxury to get a veteran that is one of your highest paid players."
Essendon's chief operating officer Travis Auld confirmed the club could be interested in O'Keefe and would decide next week whether to pursue him.
"We've got enough room (in the salary cap) to think about it as an option," he said.
The Swans, meanwhile, must simply work to entice their gun to remain in Sydney, having already made him a three-year offer.
"It's really up to Ryan to make that decision whether he wants to remain at the Swans," player personnel manager Stuart Maxfield said.
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Follow all the ins and outs of the 2008 AFL exchange period at afl.com.au/trade. Full details of every trade by every club, plus news, quotes and the very latest via our twitter feed.
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