Carlton remain "confident" in retaining free agent Tom De Koning but understand "good offers" from other clubs will factor in the timing of the in-form ruckman's decision-making process.
De Koning has been one of the form players of the competition for the season so far, seeing his disposal, clearance, hitout and contested possession averages skyrocket compared to past campaigns.
His strong rise, despite Carlton's winless woes, has come as De Koning weighs up his future at Princes Park, with the two-year contract he signed in 2024 nearing its expiry.
St Kilda have widely been reported as a club keen on acquiring De Koning's services, with a long-term offer that would make the 25-year-old one of the game's top paid players potentially being tabled by the Moorabbin club.
Carlton are unlikely to be able to compete with an offer of that size, with the Victorian powerhouse hoping De Konig opts for loyalty over a sizeable pay rise.
Speaking to 3AW ahead of Friday's loss to the Western Bulldogs, Blues football boss Brad Lloyd said the club is confident "we can get something done".
Lloyd said he understood De Koning has other opportunities to weigh up and that the "timing has to be right" before an agreement can be struck.
"He's been sensational, he's really grown his game and he's certainly gone up a level. You can see he's really confident," Lloyd said.
"I see him around the club and he seems happy, enjoying his footy. He's certainly playing like he's enjoying his footy.
"There's some good offers getting around. We'll keep working through that, keep communicating with his management and make sure he's happy at Carlton.
"I'd be confident we can get something done. You'd like it (done) sooner rather than later. Some of these things can take some time, the timing has to be right across the board. That's probably more up to Tom and his management."
De Koning is one of several players who reportedly have been targeted by the Saints in recent months as the club looks to land a big fish as part of Ross Lyon's rebuild.
GWS' Finn Callaghan, Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw and North Melbourne's Luke Davies-Unaicke have been linked to St Kilda, however the latter is the only one of the trio yet to re-sign.
Davies-Uniacke is viewed likely to recommit to the Roos beyond this year, with North Melbourne's positive start to the season aiding their plans to retain the explosive midfielder.
Carlton's 0-3 start, coupled with their tighter salary cap stance, could hurt their prospects of retaining De Koning beyond this season.
