COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley hopes wantaway star Dayne Beams can be convinced to stay, but has strongly hinted the Magpies have contacted Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield as a potential replacement.

Beams has told the Pies he wants to be traded to the Brisbane Lions to be closer to his family.

Speaking on SEN radio on Thursday, Buckley said Collingwood understood Beams' position but had not given up on retaining the 24-year-old.

"It's unfortunate. We'd rather have Dayne be wanting to sign on for another five years and be at Collingwood for the rest of his career," Buckley said.

"But we understand the pull of family – and obviously there's a couple of other factors that have made it a bit easier to make that decision.

"But, as I've said earlier, he's a contracted player. We're still in dialogue and our preference is still that he stays with the football club and that we find a way to meet his family concerns, but that will take some time."

It has been reported that the Pies and Lions are yet to discuss the trade, although the Magpies have indicated that the Lions' pick No.4 won't be enough to get the deal done.

Collingwood is keen to secure a ready-made replacement for Beams, an All Australian and Copeland Trophy winner.

Crows star Dangerfield fits that mould and speculation about his future has been rife since Adelaide sacked coach Brenton Sanderson.

Buckley said he hadn't spoken to Dangerfield or his management but, when asked if the Pies had, he replied: "I dare say, I dare say".

"What I will say… is that we look at every opportunity to improve our list," Buckley said.

Melbourne has expressed an interest in Dangerfield, who is contracted at Adelaide for next season, and is prepared to offer pick two and three in the NAB AFL Draft.

The Crows insisted on Monday that Dangerfield was not on the trade table.