North Melbourne have reportedly offered Port Adelaide defender Jasper Pittard a five-year deal.

Former Adelaide captain Mark Ricciuto reported the news on Triple M's pre-game coverage of the Port Adelaide v Hawthorn game on Thursday night.

“There's a bit of talk around that North Melbourne have thrown a big offer towards restricted free agent Jasper Pittard, five-year deal for $3 million, so $600,000 a year," Ricciuto said.

"If that's true, and if Jasper thinks that a good offer and wants to go back to Melbourne and play for the Kangaroos, well Port Adelaide have the ability or the opportunity...to match it if they want."

The Power are reportedly under salary cap pressure and could struggle to retain Pittard if an offer close to North Melbourne's was handed to Pittard.

"(It) would really push their (salary) cap, given that some say they have been a bit tight before that," Ricciuto said.

"But he is a very good player, he’s a hard running back flanker and that will test Port Adelaide if he wants to leave."

The 26-year-old has played 105 games for the Power since joining the club through the draft in 2009, and played every game for Ken Hinkley's side in 2016.