Gold Coast is prepared to offer Dyson Heppell a four-year contract to join the club.
The Essendon skipper is being tempted by the Suns’ bold pitch, which would most likely involve a two-year agreement to play and another two years to work as an assistant coach.
The Bombers had been slow to offer Heppell a new contract beyond this year - raising some interest among rival clubs - before presenting him a one-year extension for 2023.
Gold Coast has not formally tabled an offer and there is a feeling at the Suns that despite how attractive their pitch might look on paper, they believe they remain the outsiders.
But if Heppell was to accept, he would be free to join the Queensland club as an unrestricted free agent without the need for a trade.
The 30-year-old has played 211 games since being taken by the Bombers with pick 8 in the 2010 national draft. An Essendon supporter growing up, he has been captain since 2017.
While there have been some queries on his form and place in the Bombers’ best 22, Heppell has played every game this year.
Coach Ben Rutten last week said he no concerns that Heppell was yet to recommit to Essendon.
"'Hepp' knows how much of a valuable player and person he is at this footy club," Rutten said.
"He knows how much we love him and want him here next year. That's all we can do at the moment and feeling confident and hopeful that will work itself out.
"I don't have a timeline on it, don't want to speculate on that at the moment. These things can take a bit of time."