STAR West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern is no closer to deciding his future amid interest from crosstown rival Fremantle and several interstate clubs, according to his manager Colin Young.
However, talks are heating up between the Eagles and another of their key restricted free agents, ruckman Scott Lycett.
Young has confirmed Freo – where McGovern's father Andrew played 63 games – has enquired about adding the intercept marking specialist to its developing key position stocks.
AFL.com.au understands the Dockers are skeptical about their chances of tempting McGovern into an extraordinary switch from their arch-enemy.
But the 26-year-old has plenty to weigh up, with reports suggesting Sydney has strong interest and that several Melbourne clubs are keen to lure McGovern east with big-money offers in excess of $1 million per season.
"There's a few clubs looking for intercept players like Jeremy, and you'd imagine that two or three would be in that market," Young told 6PR.
"It would be ridiculous of me to say that Fremantle wouldn't have picked up the phone once Jeremy made the decision he made to just leave discussions with contracts until the end of the season.
"I'm fairly sure that fans of Fremantle wouldn't be too happy if they hadn't picked up the phone just to find out where he was at."
AFL.com.au reported last month a sixth season is a sticking point in negotiations between West Coast and new father McGovern.
The League-leading Eagles might not discover his intentions until after their finals campaign, but they would have the right to match any rival offer when the free agency period opens in October.
"It's just a matter of waiting, for Jeremy's case, until the end of the season to see how he's feeling," Young said.
"But there's always more money to move than to stay, there's no doubt about that."
The Eagles are also desperate to re-sign Lycett and star Victorian midfielder Andrew Gaff before they hit restricted free agency.
With Melbourne clubs reportedly queuing up for Gaff, his manager Paul Connors flew to Perth last week and met with West Coast.
The hard-running onballer's currency has risen this season, with Gaff leading the club for disposals (30 per game) and in the mix to claim his second John Worsfold Medal.
Lycett appears well-advanced in contract negotiations after an excellent return from shoulder issues.
The 203cm ruck-forward is averaging 21.5 hit-outs, 13.9 disposals and 3.5 marks from 11 appearances, showing consistent form as Nic Naitanui's sidekick and as a third marking option in attack.
"We've had some good discussions with West Coast over the last couple of weeks," Young said of Lycett.
"He needs to build up his currency and keep playing consistently good footy and I think he's improving every game.
"The longer he plays and the better he plays, obviously he'll get a stronger contract for his own personal security going forward.
"Scotty wants to play some more footy and over the next three to four weeks no doubt we'll meet with West Coast again."
