ADAM Cooney could join former Western Bulldogs teammate Shaun Higgins at North Melbourne next season after meeting the Roos at Arden Street on Friday morning.

 

Cooney appears set to leave the Whitten Oval after the Bulldogs offered him to Carlton earlier this week as part of a proposed trade that included Liam Jones.

 

Carlton said on Thursday it was not interested in signing Cooney.

 

But it is believed the 2008 Brownlow medallist, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2015, remains open to a trade and has attracted the interest of clubs including North and Essendon.

 

AFL.com.au understands Cooney met with North officials on Friday morning to discuss a move to Arden Street.

 

North's interest in Cooney, who recently turned 29, follows the club's bold start to the player exchange period. 

 

The Roos have already picked up free agents Higgins, 26, and Jarrad Waite, 31, and is also competing with Collingwood to sign Geelong speedster Travis Varcoe, 26.

 

Cooney is understood to be one of the senior Bulldogs players whose relationship with coach Brendan McCartney deteriorated during the 2014 season.

 

It is not clear whether McCartney's departure on Friday means Cooney would be more willing to serve out the final year of his contract with the Bulldogs who appear set to lose several other players before the trade period closes next week.

 

On Thursday, captain Ryan Griffen sensationally signalled his intent to join Greater Western Sydney, while key forward Jones and midfielder Jason Tutt are seeking trades to Carlton.

 

The Dogs have made an audacious play for Tom Lonergan, 30, with a lucrative three-year deal, but the Geelong key defender announced on Friday afternoon that he would be staying with the Cats.