Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark has named the other two clubs who have joined the Western Bulldogs in the race for Adelaide star Jake Lever.

It was revealed during the week that the Bulldogs were building a five-year, $4 million deal for Lever, but Clark says two other Victorian clubs have their eye on the 21-year-old, and are prepared to pay big.

“Western Bulldogs, Melbourne I believe and Collingwood have got an interest, at about $800,000-$900,000 a year,” Clark said on Triple M's The Sunday Rub.

"If he does leave the Crows, this will be a six, seven or eight-year deal.”

"If Josh Kelly is the most sought after young player in the competition, Jake Lever is probably close behind."

The Crows defender has previously told the club he was keen to begin negotiations once again given the CBA deal was recently finalised, although a number of clubs are trying to pry him away from South Australia.

A hamstring problem hampered him earlier on this year, but Lever has returned to play 12 matches, and is averaging 16.9 disposals and 6.5 marks a game.