The Age and Herald Sun are reporting that Hawthorn has edged ahead of Melbourne in the race for the 26-year-old.
Both papers say the Hawks have offered up the compensatory pick they were granted for losing Campbell Brown to Gold Coast, while the Demons are only offering their second-round selection (No.32).
They are also reporting that Carlton's Andrew Walker could be on his way to Port Adelaide after expressing an interest in joining the Power.
Walker met Power officials earlier in the week before leaving for an overseas holiday. He is believed to be prepared to return to the Blues if a suitable deal cannot be brokered.
As reported on afl.com.au's Trade Week Radio, Adelaide ruled out Walker after securing Richard Tambling from Richmond.
Former Hawthorn ruckman Robert Campbell has been overlooked by Gold Coast.
The Australian says Carlton has moved a little closer to dealing with Richmond over midfielder Shaun Grigg, who wants to go to Punt Road.
After failing to convince Grigg to stay, the Blues have requested that a senior Richmond player be involved in the potential trade.
The Australian also says a trade between Essendon and Richmond involving out-of-contract Bombers midfielder Bachar Houli crossing to the Tigers remains at a stalemate.
There is now the possibility that Houli might head for the pre-season draft with Essendon receiving nothing in compensation.
Also at a standstill is Adelaide's attempted trade for young uncontracted Carlton ruckman Sam Jacobs.
Carlton is believed to have asked for the Crows' first-round pick, No.14 overall, for Jacobs, who has played just 17 senior games.
While Adelaide's preference is to trade Jacobs, he could be forced into the pre-season draft.
Follow our complete coverage of the 2010 AFL exchange period from October 5-11. No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Monday, October 11.
Join the AFL trade conversation on Twitter: use #tradeweek in your tweets.
