St Kilda expect a decision from Jordan De Goey by the end of the week as they remain intent on luring the explosive midfielder out of Collingwood.
De Goey reportedly rejected a contract offer from the Magpies earlier this week because the behavioural clauses were too broad.
The 26-year-old's management is still negotiating with Collingwood over the terms of a five-year deal.
The Saints have long been admirers of De Goey and still believe they're in with a chance to secure the restricted free agent.
"We've had a number of conversations with Jordan and his manager over a few months now and he's got a big decision to make," St Kilda list manager James Gallagher told Trade Radio on Thursday.
"The time's coming pretty quickly for that decision (to be made), so I expect in the next couple of days he'll make that call.
"That will shape a little bit about what we do over the next couple of weeks but we think he'd be an outstanding fit for our footy club and our footy team.
"He's an exceptional player, he's a big-game player and he's got plenty of footy in front of him, so we think he'd work in really well with our group."
De Goey's stocks rose with a barnstorming finish to the 2022 season, but off-field misdemeanours have threatened his career over the last 12 months.
Despite the risk, Gallagher believes De Goey would complement Brett Ratten's team as they chase a finals appearance in 2023 after two years without September action.
"We've done a pretty reasonable job to this point in positioning our club as a pretty attractive destination for a guy who's 26 years old, a very good footballer and with a lot of footy ahead of him," Gallagher said.
"Our group is ready and really keen to have another player of that sort of ability join them."
Gallagher said St Kilda are eager to hold onto Brad Hill, who is contracted for another two years, but will enter talks with Gold Coast over Ben Long.
Long has requested a move to the Suns, who are also trying to offload Jack Bowes' heavy salary.
Gallagher said St Kilda are "really reluctant" to trade Hunter Clark, who is contracted but has been linked to North Melbourne.
Meanwhile, the Saints have signed Mason Wood, Tom Highmore, Tom Campbell and Jack Peris to fresh one-year contracts.
