Speculation is building that star midfielder Adam Treloar won't be at Collingwood in 2021.

The 27-year old was linked to the Gold Coast Suns earlier this week amid news that his partner had signed with Super Netball team Queensland Firebirds for next year.

A move to the Suns was seemingly shot down by Treloar on Fox Footy's AFL 360, while Magpies president Eddie McGuire said he was "confident" the gun onballer would stay at the club in 2021.

But talk of a Treloar trade won't go away as Collingwood tries to manage its tight salary cap, with Jordan De Goey, Josh Daicos and Brodie Mihocek are all out of contract.

Speaking on RSN Radio, Channel 7 reporter Mark Stevens believes there is only an "outside chance" Treloar stays a Magpie.

"I believe he won't be at Collingwood, I think it's only an outside chance in fact he'll stay at Collingwood," Stevens reports.

"I think he's happy enough to stay at Collingwood, but Collingwood I think see him as perhaps as tradeable and I think he'll be a big story of the trade week that he is preparing perhaps to go to another club.

"It won't necessarily be Gold Cast as it's been suggested with the netball link, of course Gold Coast have that early pick. But if it gets to the stage where he'll be on the trade table it's up to him to decide where to go, he will be very strong on where he wants to go.

"Obviously he's in contract but my mail is that it's only an outside chance that Adam Treloar will be at Collingwood next year. It was an interesting few days in the hub just after the last game.

"In the exit interviews Collingwood are getting adventurous with what they're doing and I think they are prepared to trade Adam Treloar. Of course they haven't said that publicly but I think that's the twist in the story."

Fox Sports' Tom Morris reports that following conversations after the club's finals exit, Treloar has been left frustrated and "convinced Collingwood wants him gone."

The star midfielder reportedly believes that the Magpies will try to offload his salary to a rival club in the upcoming trade window.

Treloar's preference is to stay at Collingwood and he would only begrudgingly consider a move to another Victorian club.

He would emphatically refuse a trade to Gold Coast or Brisbane and demand Collingwood shows their hand in what could result in a tense standoff.

According to Morris, rival clubs believe it is only a matter of time before they receive a phone call from Collingwood regarding the 173-gamer.

Treloar was traded from GWS to the Pies at the end of 2016 to return to Victoria and be closer to friends and family.

Just 12 months ago the Pies reportedly discussed a potential trade with the Suns involving Treloar.

He is contracted at Collingwood until the end of 2025 after privately extending his deal last year.

Treloar averaged 26.9 disposals from 10 games in 2020, with hamstring injuries hampering his season.