Collingwood are reportedly viewed as the front-runner to secure the services of departing North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein as several sides circle the 35-year-old.

Goldstein's desire to part ways with the Kangaroos was confirmed by the club a week ago, with the free agent set to land at a second club after 315 games in the blue and white.

The market for experienced ruckmen looms as one of the busiest ahead of this coming trade window, with several sides set to move on and/or acquire new talls for the 2024 season.

Among them include Essendon, Geelong, GWS, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs.

Goldstein's departure is set to see the Roos look toward adding support for new first-string ruckman Tristan Xerri, with Port Adelaide's Brynn Teakle among the names linked to Arden Street.

Teakle has also been tied to the Giants and Dogs, with the latter to lose Jordon Sweet to the Power while West Coast show an interest in GWS tall Matt Flynn.

The next club to jump onto the 'ruck merry-go-round' is Collingwood, who, according to News Corp,ย are seen as the club leading the race for Goldstein.

The publication's report suggests both St Kilda and Essendon are also interested in the 16-year veteran, however the Magpies could be the side best suited to swoop on Goldstein's signature.

While already home to standout ruck option Darcy Cameron and American ruck-forward Mason Cox, the Magpies were left without a ruckman early into this season due to injury, with defender Billy Frampton left to take on the role.

Goldstein would provide ample support and selection pressure on Craig McRae's ruck stocks, while also offering tutelage to emerging talls Aiden Begg and Oscar Steene.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Marc Pittonet of Carlton and Todd Goldstein of North Melbourne challenge for the ball during the round 8 AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Carlton Blues at The Gabba on July 25, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

As an unrestricted free agent, Collingwood won't be required to give up any draft capital for Goldstein, while the Roos could be on the end of very little or no compensation depending on the ruckman's next contract.

The Magpies have also been tied to Adelaide free agent Tom Doedee, however as a restricted free agent could require the Olympic Park side to enter trade talks with the Crows if they decided to match Collingwood's bid.

Free agency will open next Friday - six days from Collingwood's grand final against Brisbane.