Oleg Markov in action for Richmond. Picture: AFL Photos

GOLD Coast is eyeing athletic Richmond defender Oleg Markov to fill a void at half-back. 

The out-of-contract Tiger is understood to be considering an approach from the Suns where he would join former Richmond teammate Brandon Ellis.

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Markov, 24, played the last of his six games this season in round 17, but has been squeezed out of the Tigers' side and named emergency over the past fortnight.

Oleg Markov has had limited opportunities at Richmond. Picture: AFL Photos

The son of former world champion pole vaulter Dimitri Markov, Oleg has played 23 games for the Tigers since he was drafted at pick No.50 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

A move to Gold Coast would also provide Markov greater opportunity after being stuck behind the likes of Bachar Houli, Liam Baker, Jayden Short and Nathan Broad in recent years.

It would also allow the Suns to replace the retired Pearce Hanley and prepare for life after Jarrod Harbrow, who is set to sign a one-year deal for 2020 but likely as a rookie.

Pearce Hanley's retirement leaves a hole in the Suns' defence. Picture: AFL Photos

Other half-back options include Wil Powell, Connor Budarick, Jeremy Sharp and Jack Bowes who is expected to graduate to the midfield as his career progresses.

Gold Coast has also shown interest in dual premiership defender Broad, however that is understood to have cooled.  

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Adelaide free agent Rory Atkins will join Stuart Dew's side on a minimum four-year contract estimated at $400,000 per season that could net the Crows an end-of-second-round compensation pick.

The Suns took 51 players into the 2020 season and have made 10 list changes already, including seven delistings and retirements to Hanley, George Horlin-Smith and Anthony Miles.

They're awaiting information on list sizes for next season, but are still confident in receiving a greater percentage of positions compared to other clubs who operated with 44 in 2020.

Markov is one of several Tigers without a deal heading into next season, including Houli, who has been approached by Essendon with the prospect of greater career security.

Others include fellow defenders Derek Eggmolesse-Smith and Ryan Garthwaite, plus Riley Collier-Dawkins, Jake Aarts, Toby Nankervis and Marlion Pickett.