Gold Coast remains in the hunt for restricted free agent Steven Motlop, with the speedy Cat set to meet with newly appointed coach Stuart Dew next week.

It had been reported in recent days the race for Motlop was down to two clubs – Port Adelaide and Adelaide. 

However, Motlop's manager, Alex McDonald, said the Suns were still a genuine option and he did not rule out the prospect of the speedy midfielder returning to Geelong.

"He's had a very thorough chat with Gold Coast who were really impressive," McDonald told SEN Radio on Saturday.

"Part of the delay was about Steve wanting to meet the coach. That's in place now, so that'll happen at some stage next week. 

"[The Suns] are of genuine interest so it's out of the four (clubs) unless someone else makes a play late." 

McDonald said Motlop was likely to make a decision by the end of next week about where he wants to play in 2018.

McDonald, from McDonald Sports and Talent Management, also manages wantaway Giant Devon Smith, and confirmed Essendon was the GWS' small forward's nominated club.

"[Devon] has requested a trade to Essendon," McDonald said. 

"After some lengthy considerations he decided Essendon was the best fit for him and now we understand it's subject to the appropriate deal being done between the clubs. 

"That's part of the conversation… and [we asked] whether they could get it done and Essendon have said they can so we trust their list management strategy but it might take a little bit of time to play out, that's all." 

There has been plenty of speculation in recent weeks about the status of Brisbane Lions youngster Josh Schache, despite the forward signing on for another two years in June. 

Schache's manager, Dave Trotter, who is part of McDonald's management stable, told NAB AFL Trade Radio in September that the Lion would not be requesting a trade.

However, McDonald was less definitive on Saturday. 

"I can never say anything on those things," McDonald said.

"Things can happen… after what we saw with Tom Boyd and (Jordan) Lewis and (Sam) Mitchell last year nothing surprises me anymore."

McDonald has also played a more significant role in the negotiations between Adelaide and Melbourne in the Jake Lever deal, after Lever's manager, Ned Guy, scaled back his duties upon being announced as Collingwood's new list manager during the week. 

Lever was advised not to attend Adelaide's best and fairest count on Friday night following his trade request, with the defender finishing outside the top 10 in the count.

"It's been a tough week for Jake," McDonald said. 

"He would have liked to have attended and that was his intention but on the advice of the club he was encouraged not to go."

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