GREATER Western Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams is "slightly more likely" to join Collingwood after Heath Shaw nominated the Giants as his preferred destination, Adams' manager says.
Shaw signalled his intention on Monday night to be traded to the Giants on a five-year deal believed to be worth up to $3.5 million.
Adams' manager, Scott Lucas, said that while Collingwood and Geelong headed a handful of clubs chasing the 20-year-old midfielder, the Pies were now in the box seat.
"It's certainly not a done deal, but it's fair to say it's slightly more likely as a result of (Shaw's decision)," Lucas told SEN on Tuesday morning.
"I'm sure Collingwood would be keen to look at a swap of Heath Shaw for Taylor Adams. Whether GWS think that's fair and reasonable is another question."
Lucas revealed Adams hadn’t been set on returning home to Victoria, and had in fact considered staying with the Giants.
However, despite late-season talks, the Giants only offered the midfielder a new contract after failing in their quest to secure Lance Franklin.
"I think Taylor was slightly disappointed with that, it's fair to say," Lucas said.
In the meantime, Adams and his management looked elsewhere and were “impressed by several clubs in Melbourne who made him really keen to come home".
Lucas says he is not surprised the young Giant has a number of suitors.
"Very few players after two years have played 31 games in the system, but as a result of being at GWS you get that opportunity to play," he said.
"He's played some pretty good football (as) an inside mid that can run, and (has) really strong leadership capabilities which the clubs that he's spoken to have been well aware of and the Giants firmly acknowledge.
"He was captain of Vic Country two years ago … and he was pick 13 (in 2011), and I don’t think he's done anything to diminish that standing.
“His form has probably exceeded several of his teammates who were taken earlier in that draft."
