NICK MALCESKI has interest from at least four clubs and is still a chance to stay with the Sydney Swans, says his manager Ben Niall.
The unrestricted free agent met Gold Coast on Thursday night, and while Niall conceded the Suns were strong contenders to secure Malceski, he said the Swans were still well and truly in play to keep their man.
Niall told NAB AFL Trade Radio that although one Perth club and one from Melbourne were also interested, the Suns and Swans were in the box seat.
Suns recruitment manager Scott Clayton said earlier on Friday that Malceski was their No.1 priority during this period, but Niall said any deal was still a way off.
"They're certainly interested in his services and we're talking to a number of clubs, including Sydney, but they're certainly in the mix," Niall said.
"He doesn't want to leave, he's not disgruntled, it's a great football club and he's very settled in Sydney.
"We are hopeful the Sydney Swans are able to get close enough to what his alternatives are that he's able to stay.
"That's what we're hoping for."
The major sticking point in securing the 30-year-old All Australian is the length of contract, more than the money involved.
"It's coming down to the Gold Coast and Sydney at this stage that are the two most likely scenarios," Niall said.
"We're working that through and we have a bit more work to do."
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