Devon Smith is closing in on a move to Carlton after meeting with the Blues

IT’S been a busy few days for Devon Smith, with the in-demand Giant touring both Carlton and Essendon as he looks to make a call on his future.

Devon Smith is a wanted man. Picture: Phil Hillyard

DEVON Smith is closing on a move to Carlton after meeting Blues chiefs.

The Greater Western Sydney ball winner has returned to Victoria and is weighing up his trade options after six seasons with the Giants.

Essendon has also increased its efforts to land Smith and showed the former Lara and Geelong Falcons junior through its facilities at Tullamarine.

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While Collingwood and Geelong are also in the mix, Carlton is believed to be in the box seat for Smith, 24, after meeting him on Thursday.

The Blues are also keen on Giants forward-midfielder Matthew Kennedy, 20, to be part of a package deal.

Devon Smith will return to Victoria this off-season. Picture: Getty Images

Carlton has pick No. 3 in this year’s draft, but could also be furnished with Adelaide’s first-round pick (No. 16 or 17) if Bryce Gibbs leaves for the Crows.

Blues coach Brendon Bolton said Gibbs had not renewed his request for a trade back to South Australia.

Smith has his eye on an expanded midfield role next season and the Blues also want his goal kicking ability.

The future of hard-running midfielder Rhys Palmer, who played only one game at Calton this year after stints at Fremantle (53 games) and the Giants (69) remains clouded.

Palmer, 28, is contracted for next season but is keen to reach an agreement with the Blues to play in the WAFL next year.

Bolton said the Blues would be active in the trade period in a bid improve their engine room.

“It’s no secret we would like to boost our midfield,” Bolton said.

“You saw when Crippa (Patrick Cripps) was injured late there was so much put on ‘Murph’ (Marc Murphy) and Gibbs, and ‘Sammo’ Petrevski-Seton showed some signs there.

“But we have got to continue build our depth.”

Brisbane Lions free agent Tom Rockliff is still torn over whether to stay in Queensland, where he could be partnered by Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge next season, or join Carlton or Port Adelaide.

Bolton said Carlton had spoken directly with Rockliff.

Tom Rockliff is undecided on his future. Picture: Getty Images

“We have got some interest but he may stay at Brisbane, who are a good club now under Fages (senior coach Chris Fagan) and I’m sure other clubs are interested as well,” Bolton said on SEN.

Star onballer Cripps is on track to be fit for the first day of pre-season training after suffering a broken leg midyear.

Cripps, who also played with broken ribs this year, completed a gruelling running session on Friday.