Geelong has moved past Sydney to become the frontrunner to recruit Essendon bad boy Andrew Lovett, while Cats midfielder Brent Prismall could move to the Bombers.
Essendon are happy to trade Lovett for Prismall, with draft picks also part of the deal, but the star-studded Cats could struggle to keep the talented Lovett under the salary cap.
Lovett, 25, was twice suspended by the Bombers this year for missing training sessions, but his speed in the midfield has attracted the attention of the Swans and now Geelong.
He met with the Swans last week and may still move north, or consider taking a pay cut from his current $250,000 deal and join premiership contenders the Cats. Several other clubs are also believed to be interested in Lovett.