ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon says it's up to Collingwood to pursue Luke Ball but warns that his club won't be giving the midfielder up cheaply.

It was confirmed on Monday night that Ball, 25, was seeking a trade to the Magpies despite the offer of a three-year deal from the Saints.

"We're sitting and waiting on his management and Collingwood," Lyon said. "It's all up to them from here. We'll sit tight and see what happens.

"We just want a quality player. He's All Australian, [was] captain, [a] B&F winner, started in the centre square bounce in the grand final, [was] sixth in our best and fairest last year [and] I think played 18 of a possible 24 [games this year].

"We'll want a commercial and equitable deal and see what happens."

The Saints have already been active in trade week, securing Andrew Lovett from Essendon for pick 16 on Tuesday afternoon.

In presenting Lovett to the media, Lyon said he hoped that his new recruit would add an extra dimension to a side that came painfully close to winning this year's premiership.

"He brings an x-factor, he is a proven goalkicker, [and has] plenty of pace and skill," he said. "He improves our kicking skills. We're really keen to provide a good environment [for him]."

Lyon said the Saints had put a lot of time and effort into researching Lovett, who had a chequered off-field history at Windy Hill.

"Nick (Riewoldt) and Lenny (Hayes) sat down with Andrew," he said.

"We met twice and spoke to (Matthew) Lloyd, (James) Hird and (Kevin) Sheedy as well as John Quinn, who Andrew lived with for two years.

"There was a lot of due diligence, a lot of discussion and we're really happy with the feedback. Andrew has decided to stay in Melbourne and has turned his back on some lucrative offers, significantly more than he has accepted at the Saints."

Lyon added that he believed Lovett was yet to fulfil his potential at AFL level.

"We think it is in front of him at 27," he said. "He was a late starter and we're both northern suburbs boys from out Preston-Reservoir way, so that was a nice link.

"We know a few people and we want to build a relationship and see Andrew play his best footy and really help St Kilda in 2010."