Shai Bolton is one of the key signatures at Punt Road this season, with the midfielder in no rush to re-sign according to his manager Ralph Carr.
The 22-year-old starred in the absence of Dustin Martin last Friday night, booting three goals and picking up 22 disposals in the win over the Western Bulldogs.
Nick Dal Santo believes Bolton could command upwards of $700,000 from a rival club.
“I reckon if you’re trying to get him out of Richmond, you’re paying him more than 500k or 600k,” Dal Santo told Fox Footy.
“That (700k or 800k) is not out of the question because you look at even players in the last couple of years that you think, are they really worth that?”
Despite the money potentially on offer, Garry Lyon believes it’s in Bolton’s best interests to stay at Richmond.
Lyon and Tim Watson discussed the situation on SEN Breakfast.
Watson: “What’s the best thing for Shai Bolton to do?”
Lyon: “Stay. Why, would you go?”
Watson: “Dusty’s already demonstrated that, has he not?”
Lyon: “He had a look around (before staying), Dusty.”
Watson: “He got the money too. That money probably isn’t available to Shai Bolton and he doesn’t deserve as much money. I would say he would have to take significant unders to stay at Richmond.”
Lyon: “But that’s what happens isn’t it? Through all those great Hawthorn sides, the great Geelong sides, they all took way unders to stay to be part of something really special and I guess that’s what’s going to confront him now.”
Bolton has averaged 22 disposals per game so far this season playing on-ball and pushing forward.
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