"Mitch has been really clear in his communication to us that he doesn't want to leave Melbourne in the lurch, but his (medical) advice is that he needs a fresh environment, a fresh start to give himself the best chance to take the next step in his life," Buckley said.

"He's been really interesting to talk to and I think he's absolutely committed to take the next step with his footy.

"I think he feels like … there's some unfinished business and he's got some talent that's been unfulfilled.

"We'd love to have him at the football club but there's still plenty to play out."

Clark's return depends on fitness tests, says manager

Buckley said the Magpies were in the process of determining whether the club was prepared to have Clark on board.

If Clark does go to Collingwood, there is little chance he will have Heritier Lumumba as a teammate.

Lumumba and Collingwood have agreed to part ways, if the right trade can be arranged.

Buckley confirmed Lumumba was unhappy with several issues at the club in the second half of this year, resulting in him expressing a desire to leave the Magpies.

But Buckley believes the club and the 27-year-old wingman have been "misrepresented" in some ways.

"It's a mutual understanding," Buckley said.

"'H' has his issues with the club and management at times and we've had some concerns with the way he's carried himself at times.

"It's not fatal. But I hope he finds the right place for him to go on and play on because there was a period during the second half of this year when he wasn't going to do that.

"He's still got a lot to offer on a football field."

Worth a look? Which unwanted players could be given another chance?

Buckley was also baffled by speculation the club could lose star midfielder Dayne Beams to the Brisbane Lions.

"Not that I know of, no," Buckley said when asked about the possibility of seeing Beams leave.

"It's been amazing how much speculation there has been with that."