Arguably the most in-demand off-contract asset of 2023, Carlton's Tom De Koning is reportedly a step closer to potentially re-signing with the Blues.
Said to be of interest to Sydney, St Kilda, Essendon and Geelong, the developing 203cm ruck-forward looms as a key piece in the player market to both rival clubs and the Blues for the season ahead.
After a successful signing spree last year that saw key forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay ink new long-term deals, Carlton's chances of locking away De Koning on a significant new contract were seen less likely amid salary cap restraints.
The 23-year-old has been linked to sizeable offers from circling clubs, with Sydney reportedly mulling an eight-year deal to try and pry the Mt Martha product to New South Wales.
Their attempts, along with those of other keen suitors, could soon come to an end as fresh reports from SEN's Sam Edmund suggest De Koning is edging towards a new two-year deal to stay at Princes Park.
That contract would see De Koning tied to the Blues until the end of the 2025 season, making him eligible to exercise his rights as a free agent and likely receive further and more substantial interest, should his career trajectory continue.
The retention of De Koning will be vital for Michael Voss' planning for the years ahead, with Carlton looking to snap their finals drought in their second season under the senior coach.
De Koning has shown the ability to take on a higher workload as a ruckman this year while still moving into attack to be a threat in the forward line, working in tandem with full-time ruckman Marc Pittonet.
The emerging tall has allowed Voss greater flexibility through his spine, with the Blues starting the season undefeated with two wins and a draw from three rounds.
Having already locked away inspirational ex-captain Sam Docherty to a new deal this year, Carlton will have two of their top retention priorities re-signed should De Koning sign on the dotted line.
The Blues will still have defender Mitch McGovern, forward duo Jack Silvagni and Jesse Motlop, backman Nic Newman and fringe onballer Paddy Dow, among others, still unsigned for next year.
On top of McKay and Curnow, Carlton have Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, Zac Williams, Lewis Young, Lachie Cowan and Oliver Hollands all penned to deals until 2026 or longer.
