St Kilda has set North Melbourne a deadline to clinch Nick Dal Santo

ST KILDA has set North Melbourne a deadline to clinch a deal for veteran midfielder Nick Dal Santo.

Nick Dal Santo

ST KILDA has set North Melbourne a deadline to clinch a deal for veteran midfielder Nick Dal Santo.

The Saints have been happy to explore options for Dal Santo, 29, but have grown tired of the stalemate in negotiations.

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They believe continuing speculation over one of St Kilda’s favourite sons is unfair to Dal Santo with 15 days remaining in footy’s player trading frenzy.

“Nick is a respected member of the Saints player group and as such negotiations around any possible trade will not allowed to drag on,” St Kilda football boss Chris Pelchen told the Herald Sun.

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“So in fairness to Nick, clarity around North Melbourne’s position will need be determined sooner rather than later.

“We don’t intend to conduct our list management through the media but for the sake of our members and fans I can confirm our position has not changed — any trade involving Nick Dal Santo would have to be acceptable to both Nick and us.”

North Melbourne is determined to secure Dal Santo as a free agent, a move that is expected to hand the Saints pick 22 as compensation.

St Kilda are also keen to deal for Kangaroos defender Luke Delaney, who is out of contract.

The Kangaroos have pick 26 but are yet to package Delaney and that selection in an offer for Dal Santo.

North’s preferred option is to take Dal Santo as a free agent and send Delaney to Seaford in exchange for a late pick.

Saints coach Scott Watters this week made it clear Dal Santo had two or three more seasons of quality football remaining.

“At this stage there has been nothing that has been put on the table that would make Nick leave this football club,” Watters told the Herald Sun.

Greater Western Sydney is asking St Kilda for pick 21 in exchange for key defender Josh Bruce, who has been offered a three-year deal at Seaford.

The Saints have rejected the demand, believing it is too much for a unproven player.