GOLD Coast is in the dark about Tom Lynch's future and club officials believe he could still end up at any of the three Melbourne clubs pursuing him.

Reports surfaced on Wednesday night that Lynch's management had told both Collingwood and Hawthorn to chase other trade targets as the free agent forward had decided to go to Richmond.

However, Gold Coast is none the wiser.

The Suns believe Lynch will tell them of his decision – and make it public – once the team he has chosen has been eliminated from the finals.

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Gold Coast is believed to be offering more money than any of the Tigers, Hawks or Magpies, but with all three teams in the top four, success is a primary motivator for the key forward.

The Suns can match any offer made for Lynch and force a trade, but are expected to accept the AFL's compensation pick, which at this stage will likely be pick three in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.

Following some initial animosity after Lynch told the playing group late in the season he would be exploring free agency, both parties now seem amicable.

Lynch attended Gold Coast's best and fairest award on Saturday night, won by Jarrod Harbrow.