It was reported earlier this week by The Herald Sun that Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps was set to re-sign with the Blues on a four-year deal to be announced as early as next week.
A deal was understood to be nearing and imminent, therefore taking Cripps out of the free agency pool for the end of the season.
The deal is all but done. Down to the final clauses so spectacular news for the Blues https://t.co/XdzSuIM4Rh
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) May 18, 2021
However, a deal between the two parties - while more a matter of when not if - might be further away than previously reported.
SEN's Sam Edmund believes that there's still details to work through and a deal had yet to be agreed upon.
"I don't think there's any doubt he stays. Four years has been beating on the jungle drums for some time, but there's nothing concrete," he said.
.@Sammy__Edmund: "The Patty Cripps deal isn't done. That story yesterday was news to his camp.
"I don't think there's any doubt he stays. Four years has been beating on the jungle drums for some time, but there's nothing concrete."
— Garry and Tim (@SENBreakfast) May 18, 2021
Cripps has reportedly been a target of both West Australian clubs at different times, with it being reported recently that West Coast were attempting to lure the 2019 AFLPA MVP to Perth.
West Coast tossed a another spanner in the works when they denied those reports also.
Cripps' signature will be welcomed news to Blues fans as they also await the signature of power forward Harry McKay, who is also out-of-contract at the end of 2021.
Midfielder
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The love of Carlton has always been there for all to see from Cripps who has regularly said he wants to be part of Carlton's 17th premiership having built it from the ground up.
Cripps has said before that he feels if he left to join an already successful side it wouldn't mean as much to reach the ultimate success given the hard times he has endured at Ikon Park.
