Collingwood star Nick Daicos has quashed any personal interest in a potential exit from the Magpies, after a surprise report emerged earlier in the week that rivals have made contact with Daicos and his management about a possible move.
Daicos is contracted to the club until the end of 2029, and would be deemed almost certainly untouchable given his premier status in the competition, which has seen him amass three All-Australian blazers, three podium finishes in the Brownlow Medal count and a premiership with Collingwood in his short four-year career thus far.
The 22-year-old stated to AFL Media on Saturday, however, that no serious possibility of a move elsewhere has come up and denied a potential exit this year.
"I guess it's just that time of year, isn't it?" Daicos said on Saturday.
"I'll leave all that business with my manager, Robbie D'Orazio. He does a great job.
"He always says to me, 'if it's anything serious and I need to let you know, I'll let you know'.
"He hasn't let me know as of yet. There's always movement going on, but I just wait to hear from a call from Robbie."
Despite the noise, Daicos was adamant Collingwood fans have nothing to worry about.
"I can put that to bed. I don't think [a trade will happen]," the midfielder said.
"As I said, Robbie handles all that stuff and I haven't heard anything, so it's just business as usual and I'm contracted.
"I keep putting my effort and energy into the Collingwood Football Club."
While not in immediate pursuit of Daicos' services, Tasmania's AFL recruiting team have confirmed they'll 'consider' making a play for the superstar if his management keep the door open for the midfielder to potentially head south in the future.
The Devils loom as the rival club with the greatest chance of luring Daicos away from the Magpies, given the $5 million signing bonus the AFL has provided them, which will sit outside the salary cap.
Daicos himself decided against ruling out a move to the Devils when the competition's 19th club joins the league, recently telling The Age he could be open to joining Tasmania.
Daicos also commented on the evolving situation between Collingwood and North Melbourne, as the pair of clubs embark on trade talks for Kangaroos captain Jy Simpkin, who has become frustrated with North Melbourne over his current role under Alastair Clarkson.
"[Adding Simpkin] would be awesome," Daicos said.
"As [Collingwood senior coach] Craig McRae has said many times, we want to keep improving and become a better football club.
"Any time that you can welcome in a star player from an opposition, you'd jump at that opportunity, and I think the club's doing their best to try and get him across.
"He'd definitely help us, so that would be great."
