The pair have established a strong relationship in his first season at the club and before his mid-season trip to Bali,De Goey spoke about his desire to remain a Magpie.

“I grabbed his manager (Ryan Vague) and said ‘let’s get to work on this’,because I’ve said this openly,I want Jordy at our footy club next year,” McRae said.

“Now I don’t know how that’s progressing,but hopefully it’s progressing in the right direction — not because he’s Jordy de Goey,but I just think this environment is the best place for Jordy de Goey.”

He has been quietly courted by St Kilda with sources aware of the situation saying De Goey wants to ensure he can start this new contract with a sense his career his heading in a new direction whether that be at the Magpies or the Saints with club wide support critical.

After his outstanding finals series,the members have also been keen for the club to retain him after he apologised for his behaviour on the mid-season trip in Baliand had his contract offer withdrawn and served a two-month ban following his arrest in New York in October last year.