Carlton are understood to be keeping an eye on potentially departing Eagle Jarrod Brander this off-season.
Reports earlier this month suggested Brander would not be offered a new deal at West Coast for 2022, however the Eagles are yet to confirm the critical list call.
Now, according to Fox Sports' Tom Morris, the Blues could look to swoop on Brander as they look to bolster their midfield stocks under Michael Voss.
Carlton are likely to welcome both Dockers onballer Adam Cerra and hard-nut Swan George Hewett this exchange window, but will bid farewell to Sam Petrevski-Seton, who has requested a move to Wes Coast.
Should the Blues move for Brander, a deal involving the wantaway Petrevski-Seton could aid negotiations.
FIVE POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS FOR JARROD BRANDER
The Blues will be looking to package enough picks to secure Cerra from Fremantle, with the Dockers likely to demand more than a first-round selection, which Carlton hold at Pick 6.
Midfielder
Disposals
Marks
Inside50s
Brander could slot onto the Blues' wing and join an enticing engine room ensemble including Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow, Zac Williams, Cerra and Hewett.
The Blues have flagged their expectations for 2022 will be a finals finish, with next season the first under their new-look football operations.
Brander has played 22 games for the Eagles since making his debut in 2018, originally joining West Coast as a forward target before transitioning into an outside midfielder.