GOLD Coast has confirmed Ben King will depart the club in the off season.
King, who is widely expected to nominate Hawthorn as his club of choice, is a restricted free agent.
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It means the Suns can match any offer on the key forward and force a trade, or accept a free agency compensation pick based. If the rival deal for King generates Band One compensation, the Suns would receive Pick 7.
"As a restricted free agent, Gold Coast retains the right to match any offer made to Ben by another club and will consider all options in its best interests," the Suns said in a statement.
"King has not advised Gold Coast of his desire to join a particular club."
King's move has been widely expected, with the Victorian in tears in the rooms following the Suns' win over St Kilda last Thursday night.
King has booted 315 goals in 143 games for the Suns.
The Hawks are reported to have tabled a six-year contract for the Melbourne-born 26-year-old.
The King news comes after Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters confirmed he will depart the Power at the end of the season.
Greater Western Sydney veteran Jake Stringer also confirmed on Monday that he will return to Victoria for family reasons.
