North Melbourne and Richmond have been linked to Steve Motlop this year and now a third club is reportedly in the running.

The Herald Sun has reported that Port Adelaide has emerged as a serious suitor for the Geelong speedster.

Motlop has been badly out of of form this season and is largely expected to be playing his football elsewhere in 2018.

The 26-year-old has links to the Power, with current coach Ken Hinkley, a former assistant at Geelong.

However, Motlop may have to take a pay cut if he joins the Power. The runner-up in Geelong's 2015 best and fairest count signed a lucrative deal worth around $600,00 per season after a career best campaign.

There is no doubting Motlop is a supremely talented player. However, ย as it stands he is far too inconsistent and the different between his best and worst form is just far too great. He was also unsuccessfully put up for trade by the Cats at the end of last season.

Former Power player, Kane Cornes, endorsed the move for the out of form Cat, who could benefit from a change of scenery.

Motlop is a restricted free agent, meaning Geelong will have the option to match any bid for him. However, should he leave, the Cats would hope to gain a second round compensation pick.

He has averaged averaged 19.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 2.2 tackles and kicked 17 goals so far this season.