Hawthorn are in the box seat to recruit Chad Wingard, according to Triple M's Jay Clark.

Wingard has a year remaining in his contract with the Power but has been told he can explore his options this off-season.

The Western Bulldogs have been heavily linked to the 25-year-old, but Clark believes Hawthorn are the favourite to secure the Power star.

โ€œThe Hawks are absolutely on the front line,โ€ Clark toldย Triple Mโ€™s Rush Hour.

โ€œThey wonโ€™t be prepared to pay Wingard as much potentially as the others, we know [Hawthorn coach] Alastair Clarkson has got a bit of a rule that no one gets anything more than with a six in front it so thereโ€™s no way heโ€™s getting $800,000 at Waverley."

โ€œThe Bulldogs and Saints might be able to pay him a little bit more but since Cyril Rioli has left, thereโ€™s been a lot relying on [Paul] Puopolo, of course, and Breust who didnโ€™t have great finals series."

โ€œSo youโ€™d think that Wingard is looming as the addition to Hawthorn and thatโ€™s a bit of talent, thatโ€™s a handy addition to the forward line.โ€