Sydney must increase offer to keep Tom Mitchell, says manager

TOM Mitchell could be lured to a Victorian club if the Swans do not increase their contract offer, his manager says.

Tom Mitchell is negotiating a new contract with the Swans. Picture: Getty Images

TOM Mitchell could be lured to a Victorian club if the Swans do not increase their contract offer, his manager says.

But Phil Mullins said the Sydney midfield dynamo was still hopeful of staying with the Swans.

Mitchell, 23, and Sydney at one stage looked to be close to agreeing on a three-year deal, but now clubs including Hawthorn and Carlton are desperately keen to trade for the readymade onball star.

Mullins said he did not have an alternate offer for the left-footed ball magnet, who has peeled off six 30-possession games this year.

But if the Swans offer is not increased it seems he will be happy to move south to a club that can show him the money.

“We are still talking to the Swans,” Mullins said.

“They are getting back to us. If nothing happens, I am sure we would look somewhere else.

“But our first priority is the Swans. If nothing happens there then we are open to talking to other clubs.”

Asked if the current offer was inadequate, Mullins said: “At this stage, yes. The ball is in their court. He has been here for five years and is very settled in Sydney. His best friends are in Sydney. The temptation to stay here is very good.

“There haven’t been any offers. People are saying that, but they know more than me. I haven’t seen one.”

Tom Mitchell is hopeful of staying at Sydney, his manager says. Picture: AAP

Mitchell would serve as the perfect replacement for an ageing Sam Mitchell at Hawthorn, having already tagged him effectively early in the year.

Carlton has long attempted to lure him and has links with his father Barry, who played 170 games for Sydney, 13 for Collingwood and 38 for the Blues.

A Carlton midfield with Mitchell, Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs would verge on elite.

Sydney must pay Lance Franklin $1.2 million for the next two years until his wage escalates again to as much as $1.5 million, but still has some salary cap room.

The retirements of Adam Goodes and Rhyce Shaw last year and likely retirement of Ted Richards this year will clear some salary cap space.

The Swans are finally freed of their salary cap restrictions and have always been among the most aggressive traders.

The recent strong form of key defender Aliir Aliir has plugged what was looming as a significant hole if Richards retires.