St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has denied rumours the Saints have put forward a mammoth offer to West Coast young star Harley Reid, after it was reported the 20-year-old had been offered a massive $25 million over 12 years to ply his trade at Moorabbin.
The Saints are loaded with salary cap room, and in turn have been heavily linked to a number of rival players, with Carlton’s Tom De Koning and GWS’ Leek Aleer expected to arrive in the off-season on lucrative deals.
On SEN on Tuesday morning, Essendon great Tim Watson had added Reid to the list of names they were pursuing, despite the Saints reportedly being previously ruled out as a potential destination for the former number one pick.
But in an appearance on Footy Classified later that night, the Saints coach shut down suggestions St Kilda had tabled such an offer.
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“I’ve never spoken to Harley Reid in my life,” Lyon said.
“I do love Tim (Watson), but he got this one wrong.
“Clearly they (West Coast) think there’s something out in the ether that’s getting in their way (of re-signing Reid). Well it certainly isn’t me.”
Reid is one of the most sought after players in the competition, and is expected to have a number of Victorian clubs lining up for his signature should he seek a move away from the Eagles.
But recent reports have put West Coast in the box seat to retain their young star, with a contract lasting as long as 11 years supposedly being discussed.
The Saints themselves may also be bracing for the departure of their own young star, with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera currently deciding whether to continue his career with St Kilda, or return home to South Australia, amid heavy interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
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Compounding these worries is the potential disillusionment being felt throughout the playing group, with names such as captain Jack Steele, Rowan Marshall and Marcus Windhager also being discussed as names that could pursue a move elsewhere.
Most recently, vice-captain Callum Wilkie was mentioned as someone who has become disgruntled at RSEA Park, due to the uncertainty clouding his current teammates’ futures.
Lyon also got on the front foot on Tuesday night to deny these concerns existed.
“Callum Wilkie rang me, he goes, ‘I’ve never entertained leaving St Kilda, I love St Kilda Ross, I love what we’re doing,’” he said.