JEREMY Howe's manager says the high-flyer and Melbourne still have "a little bit of a gap" in contract negotiations.

Ben Niall insisted Howe, 25, wanted to stay with the Demons, but said there was genuine interest from rival clubs.

He was awaiting a response from Melbourne to Howe's most recent claim.

"It's always been our hope he can stay ... there's a little bit of a gap but let's hope we can close it, we've got a bit of time," Niall said on SEN radio.

"We've had a few good meetings with Melbourne and we're hoping we can work it through.

"You've just got to be where you're happy, and the grass isn't always greener is it? He's got a lot of strong relationships at the footy club.

"It's not money … Melbourne seem to be taking some good steps in that direction, they picked up Jesse Hogan and Angus Brayshaw and they've got Christian Salem and (Christian) Petracca.

"The chess pieces are very, very slowly starting to come together."

Tasmanian Howe, a perennial mark of the year candidate, has played 100 matches and kicked 80 goals since making his debut in 2011.

He averaged 14 possessions a game this season, booting 10 goals.

Niall said he had a general idea of what other clubs were willing to pay Howe, but stressed no formal offers had been made.

Niall also manages Greater Western Sydney best and fairest winner Heath Shaw.

Shaw enjoyed the best season of his career this year and is tipped to gain All Australian selection.

Niall said the 29-year-old wanted to remain involved with football once his playing career ended.

"He's got a pretty clear plan which we've had in place for a while about life after footy, which is primarily around development coaching," Niall said.

"You watch him on the field, he's got a tremendous football brain but also a great capacity with people.

"He's been working with the GWS Academy for the last couple of years he's been up there and working on his coaching skills and his teaching skills."