Adelaide are said to be preparing a lucrative long-term deal for Sydney free agent Will Hayward that could surpass $5 million.
Hayward is seen as one of the most sought-after names in the AFL this year, with his ties home to South Australia, current form and free agency status combining to mount high levels of external intrigue.
Hayward has garnered reported interest from both sides form his home state, as well as Carlton and Melbourne, with the Blues already said to have put a sizeable offer to Hayward in their attempt to pry the half-forward to Princes Park.
Keen to be "aggressive" in this year's trade and free agency space, the Crows could eclipse Carlton's offer for Hayward as details of a five-year deal worth up to $850,000 per season are revealed.
According toย 9 News'ย Xander McGuire, that offer would be worth $300,000 more per season than what Sydney are said to have tabled the 25-year-old.
"Adelaide is preparing a monster six-year deal for Sydney's Will Hayward," McGuire revealed on Monday.
"It's believed to be worth up to $850,000 a year. Meanwhile, the Swans' shorter-term offer sits around the $550,000 mark per season.
"Carlton is another keen suitor. The Blues are manoeuvring player contracts to free up salary cap space, namely Jack Martin, who could be traded or moved on.
"This would allow them to seriously enter the race for one of the hottest uncontracted players in the league."
Hayward has kicked 19 goals from his nine games this year to be in career-best form in the red and white, with the South Australian having a key role in why the Swans sit atop the competition after Round 9.
Sydney have managed a successful retention period so far this season, re-signing Errol Gulden, Ollie Florent and James Rowbottom to new deals already this year.
Hayward and fellow forward Logan McDonald remain the club's two biggest retention targets for 2024, with the latter expected to garner strong interest from Western Australia throughout the year.
