NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has sent an ominous warning, saying the club will build a financial "war chest" if it does not secure a big name this year. 

The Kangaroos have reportedly offered Greater Western Sydney midfielder Josh Kelly a nine-year deal worth around $9 million in an audacious bid to lure the 2013 No.2 draft pick.

North has also been linked to in-demand Richmond star Dustin Martin, who will become a restricted free agent at season's end and has deferred contract negotiations until then. 

Scott said the Kangaroos would have contingency plans in place if they do not sign an established player – or land a "big fish" – at the end of the season. 

"We'll take our draft picks and bank a hell of a lot of money in the salary cap to go again," Scott told Fox Footy on Monday night. 

"We've positioned our club in a really good spot going into the next few years. 

"We're not just going for a big fish at all costs. There's still some list management underneath that."

On the back of the added speculation, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick last week said he had no issue with rivals pursuing Martin, adding clubs would be "crazy" not to explore the idea of poaching him. 

Scott stressed the Kangaroos would do their "due diligence" before making a big-money play for an opposition player. 

"We'd love to bring some players in, but if we don't, we will take our early draft picks and then get our salary cap into an even stronger position," Scott said.

"We will have a fair war chest going forward if we don't bring anyone in this year."

The Kangaroos have previously targeted big-name players such as Collingwood recruit Adam Treloar, Port Adelaide defender Hamish Hartlett and Sydney star Isaac Heeney.

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