ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has confirmed the Saints are keen to secure Essendon defender Jake Carlisle in the upcoming trade period.

Carlisle has attracted interest from St Kilda, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs after declaring he wanted to be traded from Essendon but he is yet to declare his preferred club.

The Saints indicated on the weekend they had met with Carlisle once already and hoped to do so again when he returned from his overseas trip.

Richardson told Channel 7 the Saints considered Carlisle, who turns 24 on Thursday, a quality player who matched their needs.

He said they were now waiting for Carlisle to make a decision but were hopeful they would be the club negotiating a trade with Essendon.

"We rate him highly as a player and depending on what it takes we certainly want to continue that conversation," Richardson said.

"We still haven't received the ultimate tick from Jake. The reality is that he needs to choose a club. It's been spoken about that we are in that mix and we believe that to be the case."

Carlisle has played 85 games with the Bombers after being selection No.24 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

He emerged as a quality defender in 2012 but began to struggle for consistency after being used as a swingman in the past two seasons.

He would be likely to play in defence at a new club.

Richardson worked with Carlisle at Essendon in 2010 when in the Bombers' football department.