MITCH McGovern's agent believes Adelaide's "rollercoaster" year led to his client's backflip and request to depart the Crows 12 months after re-signing with the club.
Despite Carlton being the clear favourite for the forward's services, manager Colin Young insists four clubs remain in the hunt.
Having re-signed with the Crows until the end of 2020 in August 2017, McGovern was meeting with coach Don Pyke just a year on to reveal his intentions to leave.
"Twelve months ago when Mitchell signed he obviously had a belief and thoughts on where the club was going over the journey," Young told the NAB AFL Trade Radio launch.
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"During the 12 months since he signed, the club's been on a bit of a rollercoaster so Mitch had been having meetings regularly on where he thought the club was going.
"To Don's credit, at the end of the season they had a fairly lengthy meeting, they both agreed Mitch probably wasn't the fit for the Crows.
"Obviously his belief where the club is going has waned and is obviously seeking a trade."
Having missed last year's Grand Final with a hamstring injury, McGovern endured a tough 2018 season, suffering an ankle injury in round nine that required more post-season surgery.
Now recovering in Perth while assessing his options of a trade, with Carlton believed to be leading the race from Hawthorn, McGovern is expected to provide an answer as soon as next week.
"Carlton certainly are going through the process of trying to have a look for a trade (for McGovern), they've got a lot on at the moment," Young said.
"We're fortunate enough that 12 months ago Mitch was thinking about leaving so we met with four clubs, so basically (we're) picking up the ball from 12 months ago and talking to those same clubs.
"Carlton is one of those four clubs we're talking to, he hasn't had a medical so we haven't got a contract across the line yet. We're hoping by this time next week we'll be able to give the media and the clubs an answer.
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"Hopefully (we'll) work together (with Adelaide) on getting the right trade.
"Obviously Carlton is a contender, but to say what he's worth, it's going to be dictated to by what Carlton – or any other club – has and what Adelaide needs."
Young also confirmed Fremantle's interest in his client Reece Conca, the 25-year-old free agent to make a decision on his future after the Tigers' season ends.
