St Kilda is preparing a shock $1.7 million deal for untried Essendon ruckman Sam Draper, according to Fox Footy.
The report indicates the Saints will table a four-year contract for Draper who is yet to play an AFL game.
St Kilda is eager to bolster their ruck stocks following their failed pursuit of West Coast premiership ruckman Scott Lycett, who signed for Port Adelaide on a five-year contract last October.
The Saints' current ruck options are the emerging Rowan Marshall and off-contract duo Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce.
Draper is recovering from an ACL injury he sustained in May playing in the VFL and suffers from knee tendinitis.
The 203cm prospect was selected with pick No.1 in the 2016 rookie draft.