Wantaway Gold Coast utility Sam Flanders is expected to meet with as many as four Victorian clubs next week as he looks to secure a trade back to his home state.
The Suns confirmed Flanders' intentions to secure greater opportunities elsewhere this off-season in a statement on Tuesday night, with the club stressing the fact that the Gippsland product is a contracted player and in their best lineup.
"Sam expressed an interest in exploring other opportunities for next year at today's exit meeting," Suns player talent manager Craig Cameron said.
"However, we have reiterated to Sam that he is a contracted player with our football club and part of our best 23 players."
Flanders has gained reported interest from a number of rival clubs, with Essendon, St Kilda, Melbourne and Carlton all queuing up for his services.
According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Flanders will meet with all four of those clubs next week.
A trade deal for Flanders is expected to cost any keen rival a first-round draft pick as the Suns look to stockpile draft selections to attain their highly-rated Academy prospects at this year's intake.
"St Kilda, Melbourne, Carlton and Essendon. I believe he'll meet with all four of those clubs next week as part of this process," Twomey told Gettable.
"[He's] already had communication with Steven King, who's obviously his former assistant coach at the Suns for a short period there, and played great footy with him.
"The Suns will get a first-round pick out of this. They want to secure up to six Academy players this year.
"He's a good asset, he's young enough to be getting good trade collateral. He's on the move. He's going to be in Victoria next year.
"It's just about where is the best option for him."
The Suns already have three first-round picks for the 2025 count, having acquired the opening selections of Collingwood and Port Adelaide during last year's trade window.
The club's interest in Carlton star Charlie Curnow could be strengthened if Flanders were to choose the Blues as his desired destination.
If Flanders opted for one of the Bombers, Demons or Saints, a first-round pick coming the other way would still enhance their prospects of appeasing Carlton in a trade deal for their two-time Coleman Medal winner.
The 2025 Trade Period opens on October 6, and will run until October 15.
