St Kilda is poised to make gun GWS Giants midfielder Tim Taranto their “number one magnet” during the upcoming trade period.
The 22-year-old isn’t out of contract until 2022 but following Aidan Corr and Zac Williams’ departures from the Giants, the Saints are reportedly circling Taranto as they look to boost their inside midfielder stocks.
“There’s a club in desperate need for an inside midfielder and that’s St Kilda,” Matthew Lloyd said on Channel 9’s Footy Classified.
“I believe they’ll make Tim Taranto the number one magnet that they’re after in this trade period to get across to the Saints to assist Jack Steele.
“He’s the one who they’ve got their eyes on.”
Caroline Wilson said St Kilda’s pursuit of Taranto is real, saying football advisor Graeme Allen’s previous relationship with the on-baller could prove helpful in pulling off the ambitious trade.
"I think Matthew (Lloyd)’s information is spot on,” she said.
“I know St Kilda has been targeting an inside midfielder, they’re not interested in something like Brad Crouch as they want youth.
“You just think with Graeme Allen (at St Kilda) as the guru and someone who knows Tim Taranto well, there’s a couple of names I’d heard, and he was one of them.
“If St Kilda lose (their elimination final this week), it’ll be on from next week.”
The Victorian-born Taranto, who was taken with pick two in the 2016 National Draft, averaged 19 touches and four tackles from 11 games this season.