Sydney are understood to be facing a salary cap dilemma ahead of the 2022 season, with a number of star players currently placed in contract situations that could prove to be burdensome.
According to Fox Footy's Tom Morris, the Swans and gun midfielder Luke Parker are currently at a negotiations crossroads as the Sydney star remains unsigned for next season.
As reported by Morris, Parker and the Swans are yet to find agreed terms on a new deal and are both understood to be playing a "waiting game".
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The 28-year-old is an unrestricted free agent in 2021, and while he is set to gain interest of rival clubs, there is strong belief a new deal with the Swans will eventuate.
However, should the Swans and Parker fail to see eye-to-eye as discussions progress, other clubs will be awaiting to pounce.
The ongoing standoff could be a result of the Swans' tight salary space, as they also share their focus with out-of-contract trio George Hewett, Jordan Dawson and Sam Reid.
Hewett, one of the AFL's four restricted free agents, is understood to be gaining interest from Carlton, among other clubs.
Dawson is sure to be on the radar of South Australian clubs after being previously linked to Adelaide.
The 24-year-old has flourished for the Swans across several different roles in his 60 games in the Harbour City, and recently looked to reassure Sydney fans that his future lies with the NSW club.
Rival clubs are set to table long-term deals to Dawson that would be well north of what the Swans are able to offer, while midfielder Ollie Florent is also reportedly in the sights of rival clubs, namely Victorian sides, according to Morris.
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Lastly, Swans young gun and former first-round selection Dylan Stephens is keen for greater opportunities at senior level.
The 20-year-old has played 14 games for the Swans since making his debut last season, and is understood to be keen on remaining in Sydney.
The young onballer could look for options outside of Sydney should his position at the Swans remain at a capacity.
Like Dawson, Stephens could gain interest from South Australia clubs, hailing from Norwood.
The Swans recently retained the signatures of key-position duo Tom McCartin and Joel Amartey to new deals, leaving the likes of Callum Sinclair, Robbie Fox, Sam Naismith and Colin O'Riordan among those unsigned for 2022.
