Carlton are of the belief uncontracted tall Tom De Koning wants to remain with the Blues beyond 2023 despite list management issues at Princes Park and a high level of interest from rival clubs in the developing ruckman.
De Koning is said to be on the radar of several potential suitors already this year, with Geelong, Sydney, St Kilda and Essendon having already been tied to the 23-year-old.
Speculation surrounding De Koning's future was amplified in recent weeks after the Blues decided to demote their young key-position talent to the VFL, with De Koning now set to miss close to a month of senior football due to form and a concussion sustained in the reserves last week.
The Blues have conceded their salary cap structure has left them with a "top heavy" list, with a handful of stars having been penned to long-term deals in recent years.
Speaking toย 3AW, Carlton CEO Cook said the club is hopeful De Koning wants to stay at Ikon Park, however there are concerns with the amount of wiggle room within their salary cap.
"He's a wanted player, he's a required player," Cook said.
"He's 23, he's emerging and he's still learning the trade. We want him, but the issue is can we keep him in our list given everything else (with) the top-heavy nature?
"... I know he wants to stay. So that's a pretty good start. So I think we'll keep him, yeah."
Cook detailed that the Blues are likely to pursue new talent through the draft in the coming years as they continue with a top-ended salary structure, with the initial signs of the new recruitment "formula" already seen to be promising.
"One of our issues is list management. It is for a lot of clubs and I think it will be with Tassie," Cook said.
"So we are top ended, we're top heavy a bit at the moment but it's forcing us into a good habit and that is picking up some kids.
"That's one of the important things, we picked up four or five really good draft picks this year. Haven't done that for a little while. Ollie Hollands on the wing is outstanding, (Lachie) Cowan has been outstanding, (Blake) Acres has been good.
"That will be our formula for the next 2-3 years."
De Koning could see a two-year offer placed on the table from the Blues extend his stay, potentially earning close to $600,000 per season should he accept the new contract.
Geelong are seen to be in a similar position financially and won't be able to trump Carlton's bid, while St Kilda and Sydney could come to the table with "massive offers", according to Fox Footy reporter Jon Ralph.ย
"Sign a two-year deal through to free agency on about $600,000 a year. If clubs want to come at you with massive offers, well that's potentially when you deserve that money," Ralph said of De Koning's situation on Friday.ย
"Geelong is keen but won't pay more than Carlton.
"If St Kilda and Sydney come with massive offers, Carlton would say to themselves, โwe're just not prepared to match it'."
De Koning has played 46 games across six seasons with the Blues, averaging 9.91 disposals and 15.78 hit-outs per game.
