Carlton have made contact with Gold Coast over a play to lure Suns forward Ben Ainsworth to Princes Park.
Ainsworth, who turned his back on strong interest from several clubs last year to recommit to the Suns, has emerged as a trade option for rivals this off-season.
Carlton were among the clubs keen on the Gippsland product last year and have rekindled their interest now that Ainsworth is potentially attainable once more.
Suns list lead Craig Cameron confirmed on Thursday that the Blues have been in contact over a trade for Ainsworth, with negotiations to ramp up over the coming days.
"Yeah, they have (reached out), preliminary, through Robbie (D'Orazio) more so than through me," Cameron told Trade Radio.
"I expect there might be a conversation there in the next couple of days."
The decision to allow Ainsworth to assess his options on the open market comes as the club looks to prioritise emerging talent on its list.
Young duo Leo Lombard and Jake Rogers were both limited in senior exposure this year due to the selection preference of Ainsworth, who played 24 games in 2025 - 11 more than the combined total of Rogers and Lombard.
Rogers' management is believed to have gauged rival interest this year to assess whether their client could secure more opportunity elsewhere, with the Suns now standing strong that the Academy talent won't be traded.
Cameron detailed the situation surrounding their squad and incoming trade targets has led to Ainsworth being given the green light to seek a trade.
"We're comfortable for Ben to consider his options. We're also comfortable if Ben is at the club next year," Cameron added.
"We made finals this year, and making finals isn't the ultimate aim of this footy club. We got taught a lesson in the second week of finals by eventual premiers Brisbane.
"We need to get better and bring a younger group of players through, improve from inside the list with players like Leo Lombard and Jake Rogers, and players we're looking to bring in.
"We're having really open dialogue with him and his manager."
The Suns are in talks with Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs over deals for Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, respectively.
The trade period deadline is set for 7:30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday.
