MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Jack Gunston of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round 21 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Hawthorn star Jack Gunston has emerged as a priority trade target for Collingwood, according to Fox Sports' Tom Morris.

The Magpies are looking to solve its scoring problems and have identified Hawks star Jack Gunston as a possible solution.

Of the top eight teams, The Pies are the worst for points scored, scores per entry and marks inside 50, according to Champion Data.

Of their top 10 targets inside 50, only Will Hoskin-Elliott has a scoring rate higher than the AFL average.

Looking to improve in their forward half, the Pies have lodged its interest with Gunston’s management, but are yet to speak with him directly according to Fox Sports. 

The 28-year-old loves the Hawks and is more than happy to stay, but there remains a chance the club will seek to trade at least one of its older stars for draft picks, which would force Gunston into a decision.

Gunston is only one of few players with currency and rival clubs believe he’s gettable for the right price.

The three-time-premiership star has two years left on a high-paying contract.

Gunston would potentially only agree to be traded if the team was in the ‘premiership window’.

The Pies salary cap flexibility will come on the basis whether Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey’s decision to re-sign with the club.

Josh Daicos and Brody Mihocek are also yet to put pen to paper with the Pies.

Gunston won’t be asking for a move, but would consider it if the club was trying to push him out.