St Kilda remain comfortable with where contract talks sit with unsigned midfield-forward Jade Gresham, but have conceded their free agent "has the right to check the market".
Gresham is one of seven restricted free agents in the AFL this year and isn't alone in being among the Saints' top line of players yet to recommit to the club beyond 2023.
Jack Higgins, Hunter Clark, Nick Coffield, Zak Jones and Mason Wood are also yet to confirm their future for next season, however the latter is reportedly near a contract trigger for 2024.
Gresham decided to hold off contract talks for the opening half of the season, with rival clubs understood to be showing some level of interest given the delays.
Both Carlton and Hawthorn have been linked to the South Morang junior, who last signed with St Kilda in 2019.
St Kilda CEO Simon Lethlean played a straight bat when questioned on Gresham's future, expressing his confidence with where the situation sits.
"Every player has the right to check the market and see what the interest levels are," Lethlean said at Spud's Lunch at Melbourne Park on Friday.
"I think Jade is really comfortable with where he is at the club. I know he's well-respected by the coaching staff.
"I think Jade really loves what Ross (Lyon) is doing."
While Carlton are said to be showing some level of interest in Gresham's services, the Saints could be prepared to pick off a handful of off-contract Blues players at the end of this year.
The Moorabbin club has been linked to coveted Blues big man Tom De Koning and fringe onballer Paddy Dow, with former Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni having linked up with the Saints ahead of 2023.
St Kilda have also been tied to Port Adelaide defender Miles Bergman, who has touched down in Melbourne following his side's win over Geelong on Thursday.
As well as the Saints, Bergman has gained reported interest from both Essendon and Collingwood.
