Geelong and Gold Coast remain "quite a way apart" in negotiations over Suns ruckman Zac Smith, Cats list manager Stephen Wells says.

And Wells also said the club is open to allowing free agent Dawson Simpson explore his options.

Smith, 25, has nominated Geelong as his preferred new destination after falling behind Tom Nicholls as the Suns' first-choice ruckman this season.

Wells told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday that Smith remained firmly in the Cats' sights, and they had not ruled out losing Simpson.

"We're quite a way apart there with (the Suns) – there's a lot of work to be done for Zac to end up at our club," he said.

"But if he did come … it sounds like it's real possibility that Dawson might get another opportunity at another club.

"If Dawson can get an opportunity … we'd certainly let him go with our very, very best wishes."

Wells confirmed Greater Western Sydney had shown the most interest in securing the 206cm Simpson, who is an unrestricted free agent.

He added that brokering a trade for Smith had been made more difficult, particularly following the deals already struck for Patrick Dangerfield and Lachie Henderson.

"We'd like Zac to come to our club, but we've said and known all along that it might be hard to get all four (players) over the line," Wells said.

Smith played 22 games this season – 11 each in the AFL and NEAFL – after missing a large portion of 2014 due to a knee reconstruction and ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Wells said the Cats were still waiting for out-of-contract forward Josh Walker to signal his intentions for next season.

"We'll treat Josh with the respect as to what he wants to do and where he ends up, and see what happens there," he said.

Walker, 22, enjoyed a breakout 2015 season, kicking 19 goals in his 16 appearances.

He has played a total of 33 matches since being recruited with pick No.23 in the 2011 rookie draft.