St Kilda have reportedly decided against pursuing a trade for off-contract GWS defender Leek Aleer.

The Giants tall has long been linked to the Saints, who had expressed an interest in the Central District product as early as last year.

With Aleer coming out of contract and in the sights of rival clubs, the 24-year-old informed the Giants of his decision to seek a trade this off-season.

"Giants defender Leek Aleer and winger Jacob Wehr have both informed the club of their intention to explore their respective opportunities during the upcoming exchange period," a club statement in September read.

"Aleer, who is out of contract, has requested a trade."

According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, the Saints have pulled out of a move for Aleer, making the key defender's playing future unclear.

It is understood that Aleer and his management (Dylan Smith from Centimetre Perfect Global) are "livid with the situation".

An email revealed by Channel 9's Tom Morris said that the Saints' decision came as an "absolute shock".

"They've been whining and dining him for two years," it said.

"They loved where he was at and finally turned his head. They got him, had the meetings and convinced him that the Saints is where he should be. It was a good fit.

"Today, they backflipped because they don't have the picks for him. It's disappointing. They should be prepared for this after two years. They couldn't get a future second-rounder for him.

"Leek is not happy, and to be honest, livid with the situation... Nobody from the Saints have spoken to him."

St Kilda are working through a busy trade and free agency period, having already acquired Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni and Sam Flanders.

The latter joined the Saints on Wednesday via a swap that saw Pick 7 head to Gold Coast, while De Koning and Silvagni were both signed as free agents.

The club secured the services of premiership Eagle Liam Ryan, who has requested a trade away from West Coast despite being under contract.

For Aleer, the backman could return to GWS, who have already confirmed the imminent arrival of delisted Essendon defender Jayden Laverde, while other clubs could enter the race for the unsigned stopper.

The 2025 Trade Period deadline is set for 7:30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday.