Contracted Gold Coast defender Jack Bowes is understood to have nominated Geelong as his preferred destination.
The decision, which has come after intense interest in the Queenslander from several clubs, will also mean the Cats are in line to gain Pick 7 at this year's National Draft.
The Suns have been open to packaging Bowes and the first-round pick as they look to shed the 24-year-old's substantial salary, reported at $850,000 for each of the next two seasons.
Hawthorn, Essendon, St Kilda and Brisbane were also linked with Bowes this off-season after it emerged his services, and Pick 7, were up for grabs, with the former seen as the leading contender at the 11th hour.
However, as revealed by AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Bowes has nominated Geelong as his desired club from 2023.
The Cats won't be needing to send a worthwhile trade package back to the Suns, who are understood to be open to acquiring a single later-round selection.
Geelong currently hold Picks 18, 38, 48, 55, 58, 64 and 94 for the 2022 National Draft, as well as their future draft selections.
The acquisition of Pick 7 is sure to aid the Cats' plans to secure Giant Tanner Bruhn and Magpie Ollie Henry, who are both hopeful of moves to Kardinia Park.
The wantaway duo, along with Bowes and Pick 7, are sure to significantly bolster Geelong's chances of remaining in the premiership window in the years after their successes of 2022.
Neither Geelong nor the Gold Coast Suns have confirmed Bowes' reported intentions.