Lance Franklin has revealed contract talks with Sydney have been shelved amid rumours the superstar forward could play at Brisbane in 2023.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gabba in the past week with nine-year contract in the Harbour City concluding at the end of the season.
With the Swans gearing up for a finals campaign, Franklin released a statement admitting his future was still uncertain and that discussions around a contract at any club had ceased - with a decision to be made after Sydney's season finishes.
"At this stage conversations have been paused around my contract so I can put all my focus on playing footy," Franklin said in a statement on Saturday.
"No further comment will be made until the season is done and I have decided about my future.
"I am still undecided and need time after the season to make a family decision about whether I continue to play next year."
Franklin will line up for the Swans against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday with the club sitting in fourth and hoping to stay in the top four ahead of finals.
The Lions confirmed they would entertain the prospect of Franklin joining the club next season after rumours emerged the Sydney legend wants a move north.
A unnamed Lions official told the Herald Sun the club had not spoken to Franklin, but would like to if he was interested in playing at the Gabba next season.
"But if he wants to move to Queensland we would have a chat," the Lions official said.
With Franklin close to the conclusion of his nine-year deal with Sydney, the superstar forward wants to continue his career in Queensland and be closer to family on the Gold Coast, according to Nine News reporter Michael Atkinson.
The report also states Franklin is only interested in a move to the Lions, who are in the premiership window, and not the developing Gold Coast Suns.
Brisbane are likely to lose third choice tall forward Daniel McStay as a free agent to Collingwood, meaning Franklin could slot in alongside Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood in a mouthwatering attacking lineup.
