GEELONG recruiting manager Stephen Wells has confirmed that defender Jeremy Laidler has requested a trade to Carlton.

Laidler, 21, has played just two games for the Cats but was elevated to their senior list at the end of last year. He had spent two seasons as a rookie.

Wells said the Blues would have to put a very good offer on the table during the final hours of trade week if they were to snare Laidler.

"Obviously Carlton have approached him at some stage and convinced him there would be better opportunities up there at Princes Park," Wells told afl.com.au's Trade Week Radio on Monday morning.

"It's fair to say Carlton have been interested in Jeremy for a couple of years. They brought his name up at last year's trade period as well.

"This year they brought his name up at the start of the week and through his management they've convinced him that he should go.

"He's received a good contract offer from Carlton and we do respect that. It's not a total surprise."

Laidler has, however, been offered a contract by Geelong and the club has not given up hope of keeping him.

"He's part of our future planning and unless a decent deal can be done … well then we'll hang onto Jeremy and in the coming month or so try and convince him that staying at Geelong is a good option," Wells said.

Late last week, Geelong traded midfielder Nathan Djerrkura to the Western Bulldogs for pick 57 in next month's NAB AFL Draft.