COLLINGWOOD hasn't conceded it will lose free agent Dale Thomas despite his strong links to Carlton and former coach Mick Malthouse.
The 26-year-old has been a subject of discussion since the Magpies' season ended in the first week of finals, given he is still yet to recommit to the club.
There has been speculation the Blues are preparing to table a lucrative offer, with other suitors expected to also try and lure the 2010 premiership star.
Coach Nathan Buckley said the two parties remained in conversation and he had spoken to Thomas as recently as last week.
While he didn't offer a definitive answer when asked if he was confident Thomas would remain a Pie, he said talks were still happening.
"We're continuing the conversations and making sure that we find out exactly where Daisy is at and what he needs to hear from us and we'll go from there," Buckley said on Monday night.
"We're in conversations and we just need to keep that going.
"I spoke to him before the weekend, I haven't seen him since then.
"Obviously since Carlton has gone out it becomes a bit of an issue but we've been having chats ongoing and it will continue."
Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin is also out testing the market with the Tigers announcing on Monday he would be pursuing rival offers.
If Thomas left the Magpies, they would have the money to lure Martin, who is chasing a deal better than the one on offer at Punt Road.
But club remains wary of Martin's perceived off-field behaviour, which could see some scared off.
Buckley said the Pies were yet to consider whether Martin would be a good fit for the club.
"That's only happened today so I haven't had a chance to sit down and talk to anyone," he said.
