CHRIS Yarran is set to depart Carlton in next month's trade period after informing the club on Friday that he wants to make a fresh start at a new AFL home.

Friday's news came as no surprise as Yarran had been widely expected to depart the Blues as the club looks to rebuild its poor list, with the speedster almost certain to join Richmond.

Key defender heads Bolton's first cull at Carlton

AFL.com.au understands Yarran and the Blues have come to a mutual understanding that he will leave, but the club has yet to decide what its asking price will be at the trade table.

Yarran is contracted for 2016 but was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of next season, so Carlton is no doubt mindful it could net a better return by trading him now.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station SEN, new Blues coach Brendon Bolton said he was optimistic Yarran could return a first-round selection.

"With Chris, he is a contracted player and an A-grade player when up and about," Bolton said.

"We love the footy he plays when he's running off half-back, but if he doesn't want to play, we will have to have a discussion about what the return is.

“You'd hope so (he’d warrant a first-round pick)." 

It is believed Richmond is not prepared to trade its first-round draft pick, currently No.12, for Yarran, so its negotiations with Carlton could drag on.

The West Australian re-signed with the Blues for two seasons in 2014, when he enjoyed a career-best season, finishing fourth in the club best and fairest award.

However, Yarran played just 14 largely indifferent games this year and was suspended for an ill-disciplined strike on Essendon's Paul Chapman in round three.

But, at 24, Yarran is understandably an enticing prospect for Richmond. At his best, the No.6 pick in the 2008 national draft is a line-breaking runner who can play across half-back or as a dangerous small forward.

Yarran played 119 games for Carlton and kicked 90 goals.