Carlton spearhead Levi Casboult is considering his options as an unrestricted free agent

DESPITE reports Levi Caboult’s manager says his client has not agreed to join Richmond in 2017 and will instead wait until the end of the season to assess his options, including Carlton’s best offer.

Levi Casboult has not yet re-signed with Carlton. Picture: Michael Klein

LEVI Casboult has not yet agreed to a move to Richmond but is open to relocating to a club that will offer him a long-term deal.

The Blues spearhead has taken the most contested marks in footy this year and kicked an equal team-high 29 goals for Carlton.

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But while he grew up a Blues fan his status as an unrestricted free agent reflects his modest wage at Carlton — he is not in the top 10 paid players.

Despite reports he had agreed in principle with the Tigers his manager Anthony McConville told the Herald Sun on Wednesday he was still considering his options.

He is intent on waiting until season’s end and is keen to maximise the terms of his most lucrative contract of his career after turning 27 last March.

Of the 36 players in the competition who have had at least 100 hit-outs (he has 137), his 29 goals are 12 more than any other player.

Levi Casboult has not yet re-signed with Carlton. Picture: Michael Klein

Port Adelaide free agent Jackson Trengove has 17 goals, Rory Lobbe 16 and Ben McEvoy 16, with his dual position status a key selling point for rivals.

It is understood Casboult would want a deal of at least three years and on finances that reflect his position as one of the few key forwards on the open market.

He has multiple suitors that include Richmond, where his marking and contested work in the forward line would help their fleet of quick crumbers.

McConville said yesterday Casboult had made no decision on his future.

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“At the end of the day it’s going to be Levi’s decision as to whether he remains at Carlton,’’ he told the Herald Sun.

“My job is to facilitate what is available for him. I can assure you at this point in time there is no deal from any club that has been brokered or agreed to.

“It will remain that way until the last game and then we will see at year’s end what is available at Carlton. We will keep all our options open until the end of the year.”

If Carlton finished last and Casboult left they could receive pick 18 as free agency compensation for him given GWS does not have a first-round pick

Levi Casboult has booted 29 goals so far this season. Picture: Michael Klein

It would not only give them some salary cap relief but another high pick to attempt to lure GWS midfielders Josh Kelly or Jacob Hopper.

Carlton could win their fifth wooden spoon in 15 this year given they are unlikely to win again — they face West Coast (away), Hawthorn and Sydney (SCG).

Brisbane has one less win but faces an injury-ravaged Gold Coast without Tom Lynch, Jarrod Witts and likely Gary Ablett, then Melbourne and North Melbourne (Gabba).

Fellow Sydney free agent Sam Reid, who has never kicked more than 31 goals a year, just won another lucrative four-year contract.

Mason Cox is discussing a new deal with Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

Casboult has kicked more goals, taken more marks and won more hit-outs than Reid in the past three seasons but would be paid far less than the Swans swingman.

Collingwood’s Mason Cox is also unsigned as he prepares to replace the suspended Brodie Grundy but is discussing a new deal with the Pies.

The American has played only six games this year as a ruck-forward as Grundy turns into an All-Australian contender.

But given Cox is unlikely to be a first ruckman in the AFL next year he may choose to stay at Collingwood and try to break into the forward line.

Originally published as Carlton spearhead Levi Casboult is considering his options as an unrestricted free agent