Darcy Lang could be on move from Geelong, Steven Motlop and Daniel Menzel also no certainties to stay

GEELONG’S pursuit of Gary Ablett, Devon Smith and Jake Stringer will likely result in Darcy Lang seeking greener pastures, as the Cats play hardball on other contracts.

Geelong’s Darcy Lang could be on the move. Picture: Getty Images

CATS first-round selection Darcy Lang will seek greener pastures next year as the club continues to play hardball on a range of contracts.

The Cats could end up with as much as $2 million of salaries stripped off their list in coming weeks as they continue to hunt elite talent.

Lang was recalled for Friday night’s semi-final against Sydney after working back from a six-week shin injury, but he is eager for more midfield time.

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He was the 16th overall pick in the 2013 national draft, but despite 42 games so far talks are off until season’s end.

He has been played at half-forward and unable to crack into the midfield on a regular basis.

There will be suitors for him and with Geelong intent on recruiting Gary Ablett, Devon Smith or Jake Stringer, it is smart business for him to seek greater chances elsewhere.

The Cats will need to find a player to satisfy Gold Coast in a trade for Gary Ablett but it remains to be seen who that is.

Darcy Lang wants more midfield time. Picture: Colleen Petch

Geelong’s greatest issue might not be finding salary cap room to secure one or more of those players, but the picks to compensate their clubs.

Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie will retire and Steven Motlop, on a deal of around $600,000, looks set to move on.

Daniel Menzel has been offered a hefty pay cut from this year’s $300,000 salary and will surely play elsewhere.

And while Jed Bews is closing in on a new deal, his next contract is also described as modest amid the salary crunch.

Geelong has Carlton’s pick 20 and their own second-round pick which will land somewhere between picks 30-35.

While Stringer would be open to moving to Geelong as six clubs chase him, rivals will most likely be able to offer better deals in exchange.

Daniel Menzel’s future at the Cats is up in the air. Picture: AAP

Essendon has pick 11, St Kilda has picks seven and eight and North Melbourne has money and the desire to lure matchwinners to the club.

Geelong could get a second-round compensation pick for Motlop, 26, if he moved on with an offer of more than $500,000 elsewhere.

But a suitor for Menzel is yet to emerge despite his 38 goals leading into Friday night placing him third among goals for small forwards this year.

Geelong coach Chris Scott conceded the club might have erred in not selecting Menzel for last week’s finals loss.

Their strained relationship and the lack of clever goalkicking forwards in the competition all points to him heading elsewhere.

The Cats have been able to re-sign Wylie Buzza, Sam Menegola, Brandan Parfitt and Nakia Cockatoo in recent months.

But Motlop has put off his talks until season’s end while he considers his options.