UPDATE: Dylan Shiel has reportedly not requested a trade at his exit meeting with the Giants on Thursday.
Channel Seven's Sam McClure reported the news on Twitter potentially scuppering St Kilda's plans.
Dylan Shiel has had his exit interview and has not requested a trade.
— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) September 20, 2018
Though just because a player doesn't request a trade doesn't mean they won't leave, the same way a trade request doesn't guarantee a departure.
So don't lose hope yet, Saints fans. That's if you have any left.
EARLIER
St Kilda are set to be one of the most active clubs in this year's AFL trade period - and they have now reportedly made Dylan Shiel their "number one priority."
That comes after Sydney Swans star Dan Hannebery - who earlier announced he would be open to a move back home - said he was "exclusively" talking to the Saints.
Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph told Macquarie Sports Radio on Wednesday "a deal will get done" between St Kilda and Hannebery, but it now appears that won't be the only big fish the struggling club will chase during the trade period.
Shiel is strongly considered to take up an opportunity to move from the Harbour city to Victoria, despite being contracted for one more season with the Giants and previously denying he would be on the move.
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Fox Footy's Tom Morris told 3AW Sportsday the Saints could pay overs for the talented Giants' mid.
“Their priority No. 1 is Dylan Shiel,” Morris said.
“There have been talks of $1.2 million, even $1.3 million contracts for Dylan Shiel over six years.
“Opposition clubs — and this is not just St Kilda — firmly believe Dylan Shiel will ask for a trade, if not this week, the next week, Paul Connors hardly hosed that suggestion down.
“All I’m saying is St Kilda is going very hard and I’d watch this space to see what happens in the next week.”
Shiel's manager Paul Connors said he "wouldn't be surprised either way" if the GWS star elected to leave the Western Sydney club, but did confirm he would be at a Melbourne-based club or remain at the Giants next season.
The 25-year-old's potential move has been the talk of the town in recent months, with much conjecture over who and what price he could be signed for.
St Kilda coach Alan Richardson told AFL 360 earlier this week they were in the race for his signature.
“Certainly clubs like ours, many clubs, would express interest with someone of his ability and his qualities to see where he’s at and, if he is going to shift, would he be interested in our footy club," Richardson said.
The Giants' midfielder has also been linked to the likes of the Hawks, Essendon and Carlton, although St Kilda and Hawthorn now look to be the front-runners.
It would be a major blow for the Giants if they lose Shiel - a foundation player who has become a leader in the Giants' midfield - having played 135 games for the club since debuting in 2012.
The AFL trade period kicks-off on Monday, October 8, for a full list of trade and free agency dates click here.
