CATS WAIT ON MOTS MOVE

Cats in trade limbo while Motlop weighs future

GEELONG has declared its trading hands are tied until free agent Steven Motlop makes a decision on his future beyond this season.

With the Cats poised to ramp up their interest in ousted Melbourne forward Jack Watts, list manager Stephen Wells said the club was hamstrung as Motlop weighs up offers from Gold Coast, Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

With a deal to lure homesick champion Gary Ablett from the Suns on the horizon, Wells admitted the club hoped to improve its hand before rushing into any negotiations.

Discarded Western Bulldog Jake Stringer also remains on the radar for the Cats, while young Brisbane Lions spearhead Josh Schache won’t be pursued.

Daniel Menzel is shopping around for a new home, but a contract remains on the table should he opt to remain at Kardinia Park, while Darcy Lang is being courted by a host of clubs.

But Motlop remains the key piece in the puzzle for the Cats, with Wells believing the livewire midfielder could make a decision as early as today.

The Cats could get a late first-round or second-round pick as compensation for losing Motlop, a bargaining chip that could help clinch their trade targets.

“The free agency period closes on Sunday, so I reckon it will happen in the next 24 hours,” Wells said.

“He’s got every right to take all the time he wants.”

Gold Coast has declared its interest in Motlop, while the Crows and Power are keen to add the speedster. “I thought originally he might be going to Port Adelaide, but I don’t know at all,” Wells said.