Sam McClure says Carlton is yet to receive a trade request from star midfielder Bryce Gibbs, but are preparing for one to arrive.
The 28-year-old was close to a move back to South Australia last year to link up with Adelaide, but talks between the two clubs broke down on the final day of the exchange period.
McClure told SEN Breakfast that despite enjoying another fine season, Gibbs is expected to again be one of the talking points of this year’s off-season.
“Gibbs and his camp don’t want to be seen to be asking to leave Carlton again. They will wait for Adelaide to come – after they finish their season – and say, ‘right, we want him and this is what we are prepared give for him’,” he said.
“Carlton are adamant that he has not asked for a trade request, but they believe one will come – they are preparing themselves for it.”
McClure says that he believes that Carlton will ask for a higher price than they did last year, and won’t let him leave unless they receive a great deal.
“His value hasn’t gone down at all. His football is still at a very, very high level,” former Essendon champion Tim Watson said.
“There is no reason why he couldn’t play another three years of AFL football is there?”
Gibbs averaged nearly 27 disposals and just over five clearances per game in 2017 and is one of the favorites to take home a second John Nicholls Medal as Carlton’s club champion.