Former Collingwood forward Travis Cloke is closing in on a two-year deal with the Western Bulldogs.

Sources close to Cloke, who is overseas and won't return until Wednesday, said on Thursday negotiations were advanced with the Dogs, but a trade had yet to be brokered. There is a belief Cloke is worth a third-round selection but the Dogs do not have one, instead having two fourth-round selections.

The Magpies, keen to clear salary-cap room, may be content to take a fourth-round pick.

Cloke, who had one year to run on his contract, will have a restructured deal. The Dogs will give him a two-year contract and he is likely to earn less than $200,000 a season. He will provide cover for the injured Jack Redpath and experience in a young forward set up.

The power forward pocketed about $800,000 this season but, as he failed to activate trigger clauses, was to make about $450,000 next season had he remained with the Magpies. He was dropped three times this season and played in 13 matches, booting 17 goals

Cloke's departure has opened room in the Pies' salary cap, allowing them to pursue free agents - North Melbourne's Daniel Wells and Fremantle's Chris Mayne.

After another disappointing season, the Pies need to make the finals next year otherwise coach Nathan Buckley has conceded he could lose his job.