Star Saint Rowan Marshall is set to sign a new deal with the club, tying him to Moorabbin for the long-term, per reports from 7 News' Mitch Cleary.
The out-of-contract Saint has been the subject of interest from rival clubs, with Essendon reportedly emerging as the frontrunner in trying to lure the 26-year-old away from Moorabbin.
Originally selected with pick 10 in the 2016 rookie draft, Marshall has since played 76 games for the Saints, finishing second in the club's best and fairest award in 2019.
Speaking on 7 News, Cleary revealed that Marshall was close to getting a deal done with St Kilda, with soon-to-be CEO Simon Lethlean confirming that an extension could be announced in the coming weeks.
"Rival clubs including Essendon are chasing his signature," Cleary said.
"The Saints have made a move in the last couple of weeks on securing that deal for him.
"He turns 27 this year. He is now poised to sign a long-term contract."
St Kilda can enhance their top four hopes with an upset win over Brisbane. @cleary_mitch is live inside the GABBA with the latest news. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/8BsroICgas
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) June 11, 2022
The Saint has missed just one game in 2022, becoming part of an influential ruck duo with Paddy Ryder, earning speculation that Essendon were willing to offer him up to $750,000 per season to leave Linton Street.
Following a tough loss to Brisbane on Saturday night, the Saints next face Essendon on Friday night in Round 14, the first in a run of prime-time fixtures as they look to solidify their spot in the top eight.
