Rival clubs are said to be expressing interest in out-of-contract Carlton forward Jack Martin.
Martin's five-year contract, signed after moving from Gold Coast to Princes Park in 2019 via the Pre-Season Draft, is set to reach its expiry at the cessation of the current season.
The Broome-born attacker has had an up-and-down spell in navy blue during his time with the club. He faced multiple injury matters while rising to become a key member of Carlton's premiership push under Michael Voss last year.
The 29-year-old has played 51 games for the Blues - and will line up for his first game of 2024 on Thursday night against Melbourne - after moving south from the Suns, whom he joined as a pre-selected Mini Draft acquisition 12 years ago.
Martin rose to become one of the most exciting forwards in the competition in rapid time as part of an emerging Gold Coast outfit before gaining high levels of interest and joining the Blues after almost 100 games with the Suns.
The livewire forward is now a chance to join his third club, withย The Ageย reporting clubs are circling the unsigned Western Australian amid Martin's uncertain future.
The publication's report suggests two interstate clubs are among the list of keen suitors for Martin, who is yet to hold 'meaningful' contract talks with the Blues over a deal beyond the 2024 season.
Potential hesitancy from the Blues may come amid the club's reported interest in Sydney half-forward Will Hayward, who looms as one of the most in-demand names on the open market this year.
Hayward reportedly has interest from both South Australian clubs, Melbourne and Carlton, with the latter said to have tabled a sizeable deal to the Swans free agent.
While there is a world where both Martin and Hayward suit up for the Blues next year, the Victorian powerhouse is said to be dealing with a tight salary cap given the long-term deals penned by the likes of Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow and Patrick Cripps.
The Blues will also be mindful of having star pair Jacob Weitering and Sam Walsh come out of contract in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
It has been suggested Carlton players are open to altering the details of their contracts in order to help the club secure top talent from rival clubs.
