It would be a “pipe dream” move for a rival club, but Charlie Curnow’s future remains central to trade rumblings. Plus the latest on an in-demand Saint and the small forward merry-go-round.

In and Under delves into footy’s hottest topics, with insights from behind the scenes.

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CURNOW TRADE TALK CONTINUES … BUT WHY A DEAL IS SO DIFFICULT

There continues to be noise around Charlie Curnow’s future at Carlton.

But as one list manager told foxfooty.com.au, a club actually acquiring the star forward this trade period feels more like a “pipe dream” right now, given how difficult it would be to pull off a deal.

Both Curnow, contracted until 2029, and the Blues shut down trade speculation last month when the dual Coleman medallist was first linked to a potential move to Gold Coast.

A move would likely require Curnow formally requesting a trade away from Ikon Park, which Carlton could simply reject. If the Blues felt forced to entertain a deal, the club would demand a mega haul for the two-time All-Australian forward.

Charlie Curnow of the Blues and Tom McCartin of the Swans. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Potential suitors haven’t heard anything more about Curnow’s interest in leaving, nor is there any indication the 29-year old or his management have met with any rival clubs. However Curnow’s name keeps coming up from key industry figures.

Sydney has asked the question to Curnow’s camp and it’s understood the Blues star would be the Swans’ No. 1 target this off-season over Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in an area of the ground they’re trying to bolster. But nothing has gained traction.

Gold Coast isn’t sure if the fit is right, plus the Suns needs their high-end draft capital to use on Academy prospects, while there’s a watch on Geelong.

There’s a view that Curnow would prefer to be away from the Melbourne spotlight and closer to the beach.

The Blues are already set to lose Tom De Koning and likely Jack Silvagni, so a Curnow move – or another star’s exit – would really cut back their starpower, despite the club acknowledging it needs to rejig its list.

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It’s also possible the rival links could be being used as leverage for Curnow to secure a bigger deal at Carlton.

New Blues CEO Graham Wright said last month he hoped the club’s star ‘big five’ – Curnow, Harry McKay, Patrick Cripps, and Jacob Weitering – stay.

“I hope they all are (here),” Wright said.

“We haven’t got enough good players. We’re like every team, we want more good players or elite players. Those guys are in that category. I’d hope they’re here, they’re all contracted.”

WINDHAGER, SAINTS APART IN TALKS ON NEW DEAL

Marcus Windhager’s best mate and housemate, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, just re-signed at St Kilda in an a major coup for the club.

So where does that leave Windhager?

It’s understood Windhager and the Saints are a fair way apart on a new deal beyond 2025 as rival clubs including Essendon and North Melbourne circle.

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It’s believed one rival offer to the 22-year old midfielder is worth as much as $700,000 per season, while St Kilda’s offer is closer to $500,0000.

But Wanganeen-Milera staying at St Kilda could also be key in the club retraining Windhager, given the pair’s close connection.

Ruck Rowan Marshall and captain Jack Steele also face uncertain futures at Moorabbin, while All-Australian defender Callum Wilkie is expected to stay at the Saints despite recent rumblings around Wilkie being disgruntled.

PREMIERSHIP PIE TO STAY DESPITE SMALL FORWARD MOVEMENT

There could be movement among the AFL’s small forwards this off-season as several clubs hunt players in the position.

One who won’t be moving is premiership Magpie Beau McCreery.

Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and other clubs registered interest in McCreery, who’s from South Australia. But the 24-year old is happy at Collingwood, where he’s contracted for two more seasons.

Beau McCreery of the Magpies. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: FOX SPORTS

Jamie Elliott, meanwhile, is yet to re-sign at the Pies, despite reports of a two-year offer being on the table and the 32-year old’s potential interest in a move to Queensland.

While the Suns are a club in the market for a small forward, Malcolm Rosas is likely to depart at season’s end, with Richmond and Sydney believed to be the frontrunners for the 24-year old.

Jesse Motlop’s management has opened discussions with Carlton on what a new deal beyond 2025 could look like.

Premiership Demon Charlie Spargo, who’s an unrestricted free agent, is another name to watch.

Meanwhile reports state St Kilda is zeroing in on West Coast’s Liam Ryan, despite interest from other clubs, and flag-winning Lion Callum Ah Chee is weighing up rival bids.