St Kilda free agent Josh Battle is said to have been in multiple discussions with the coach of a rival club, who have put forward a long-term offer to the unsigned defender.
Battle is emerging as one of the biggest pieces in this year's player movement space, with several clubs circling the unrestricted free agent given his value as a key defender.
The 25-year-old has gained reported suitors in Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn, with the latter viewed as the front-runner for Battle's signature should he look to leave Moorabbin.
While the Saints are doing what they can to retain the Doveton product, the Hawks are ramping up their efforts to lure the former Hawthorn fan to the brown and gold.
According to SEN's Sam Edmund, Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has contacted Battle on multiple occasions this year, taking a leading role in the club's list management play to sign the Saints backman.
Discussions between the pair could shift Battle's thinking as he currently weighs up his future beyond 2024.
Mitchell's talks with Battle come less than a week after it was revealed St Kilda coach Ross Lyon had held talks with Geelong free agent Tyson Stengle in recent times.
Any move for Stengle by the Saints, should they lose Battle via free agency, would likely lessen the value of the draft compensation the club would receive for Battle's departure.
The Saints could be in line for a first-round draft pick if Battle does pursue a move elsewhere, with AFL.com.au reporting a six-year offer has been tabled to the defender by the Hawks.
A number of factors in the deal determine the level of free agency compensation, which would currently fall at Pick 6 should it register band one compensation.
Battle's manager Tom Seccull recently stated there was "no timeline" on a decision from his client.
"He's having a fantastic year, both behind the footy and even up forward at different stages," Seccull told Gettable.
"Like all of these decisions, there's a lot of variables that come into it. There's a lot of factors that influence decisions. Josh just recently had his first child and he's working through that as well.
"There's no timeline on [a contract call] at this stage. (Hemisphere agent) Alex McDonald is working really closely with 'JB' and the club.
"I'm sure that'll just play out as the year goes on."
Battle has played 114 games for St Kilda, including all 14 this year as he averages 17.07 disposals, 7.64 marks and 3.36 rebounds 50s per game - all career-highs.
