Cats big man Nathan Kreuger has told the club that he wishes to explore other options in trade period 2021, with a trade to Collingwood expected to land.

The forward was linked with a move to St Kilda recently as well as to the Magpies, however, according to The Age's Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik, it is only now that Kreuger has given the club a definite answer over his future.

The 22-year-old only has played two games at AFL level in Rounds 20 and 21 this year, with the Cats drafting him in 2018 after giving pick 42 to Carlton in order to secure his services.

The Herald Sun has revealed that Kreuger is tipped to join Collingwood on a three-year deal, despite the Cats' hopes to retain their swingman.

Despite being a forward by nature, Kreuger was deployed in defence, not having a great effect on the outcome in both appearances in the team.

The incredible forward-line that the Cats boast with the twin towers of Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron means that Kreuger's best shot at regular football was always going to lay away from Kardinia Park.

Choosing to go to Craig McRae's Collingwood could mean he is the certified focal point of their attack with it being no secret that the Pies are in desperate need of a true tall forward.

With the Cats almost resigned to letting Kreuger go, their crop of youngsters could get even thinner with Jordan Clark and Charlie Constable both yet to recommit to the club.

According to reports from Fox Sports' Tom Morris, Clark has already met with the Dockers over a switch back to Perth.