Negotiations between St Kilda and Gold Coast over a deal to send Ben Long to the Suns is understood to have hit a snag, with the two clubs in disagreement over which draft pick should be sent to the Saints in return for the departing defender.
St Kilda confirmed Long's desire to move north last month in line with his expiring contract at Moorabbin, with the 25-year-old's 79-game career in the red, white and black coming to an end after six seasons.
Long looms as the sole addition to Stuart Dew's squad through the current exchange window, while several Suns players are anticipated to exit Queensland amid concerns around the club's salary position.
But talks between Gold Coast and St Kilda are reportedly off to a slower start than first hoped as trade talks progress.
While the Suns are loaded with later-round selections that could be included in a trade for Long,ย The Ageย have reported that St Kilda's opening asking price has been set with Gold Coast's earlier second-round selection at Pick 25.
That selection is one of three second-round picks the Suns currently hold, having also acquired Picks 32 and 36 from Fremantle and Collingwood through last year's trade windows.
It is understood the Suns are't willing to part with a selection earlier than Pick 36, leaving both parties in a stalemate.
Both Gold Coast and St Kilda could look to reach middle-ground and see Long swap places for Pick 32, but it will come with both clubs having to give in to demands.
The Suns are expected to gain further draft capital in the likely event of Izak Rankine, Jeremy Sharp, Brayden Fiorini and Josh Corbett all depart this trade window.
The AFL trade period will run until 7:30pm (AEDT) next Wednesday, October 12.
