GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Oleg Markov of the Tigers controls the ball during the round 14 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the West Coast Eagles at Metricon Stadium on August 27, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Gold Coast are believed to be circling out-of-contract Tiger Oleg Markov, as the half-back remains out-of-favour at Punt Road and contemplating a move to the Suns, per afl.com.au.
The 24-year-old has shown glimpses of skill and poise but is seen as a fourth-string option for Richmond as Bachar Houli, Jayden Short and Liam Baker man the Tigers' defensive 50.
Markov played just six games in 2020 before being dropped and named as an emergency in round 18 and the Tigers' qualifying final.
Gold Coast defender Pearce Hanley recently announced his retirement from the game, while fellow veteran defender Jarrod Harbrow signed a new one-year deal in what will likely be his last season with the club.
The Suns will be pressing for Markov's signature to fill the voids left in defense as the club look to reach their first finals campaign.
Markov would join former teammate Brandon Ellis, who has seen his game reach a new level since arriving on the Gold Coast.
The Suns are set to finalise a deal for Adelaide utility Rory Atkins in the off-season, while the club's reported interest in Tiger Nathan Broad is understood to have come to a halt.
Markov joins Houli, Toby Nankervis, Jake Aarts, Marlion Pickett, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith and Ryan Garthwaite in being without a contract for 2021.