MELBOURNE coach Paul Roos is "absolutely interested" in brokering a trade for star Crow Patrick Dangerfield, but says the club is yet to officially offer him a contract.
Dangerfield is contracted to Adelaide for next season, but is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of 2015.
Speculation has increased that the Crows may consider a trade this offseason to ensure they get maximum value for the star midfielder, before potentially losing him for nothing if he walks from the club at the end of 2015.
AFL.com.au reported on Monday that Crows board member Mark Ricciuto hadn't ruled out trading Dangerfield.
The star midfielder has already indicated he wants to remain at the club, but that hasn't stopped other teams enquiring about his services.
“I haven't (spoken to Dangerfield) but I think it's been fuelled by (Mark) Ricciuto's comments. Of course it pricks everyone’s interest," Roos told the Herald Sun.
“We would absolutely be interested in him but he’s a contracted player. It gives you an insight into the future."
Trading impending free agents before their contracts expire is a trend that Roos sees becoming more commonplace in the next few years.
“You are going to see as early as this year or next year with someone like Dangerfield, clubs trading them a year before free agency," the Melbourne coach said.
“There is no question it is going to happen. When exactly will it happen? I don’t think anyone can be certain but you can sense clubs (with players about to become free agents) are a little bit on edge."
The Demons are still in the dark about the movements of James Frawley, although it is understood he is almost certain to leave the club.
As reported by AFL.com.au on Wednesday, Melbourne will find out the compensation for losing Frawley before the free agency period ends.
The club is hoping to gain a first-round compensation pick, which means it would have two picks (and possibly three) to offer for trade.
Roos said the club needed to look at all its options in regard to luring high-profile players to the Demons.
"We are clearly talking to all clubs about pick two. Our fans can’t wait for another three or four years, we have to get cracking to become more competitive," Roos said.
