The hardnut Swans midfielder is debating whether to remain with the grand finalists on a new five-year deal or accept the Hawks' offer of also five years but with a greater financial component.

Mitchell's manager, Phil Mullen, said he and Mitchell expected to meet with Swans football department chief Tom Harley this week.

"We agreed that we would meet at some time this week and we will go from there. It's status quo at the minute," he said.

"I said I would deal with the Swans and that's how we'll play it."

A new contract with the Swans appeared set to be signed earlier in the season, but the Mitchell camp then announced the Swans would have to lift their financial offer.

Asked on Monday if the Swans still needed to lift their offer, Mullen replied: "I really don't know where they sit with the (salary) cap. It's not my business."

Gold Coast midfielder Jaeger O'Meara has already nominated the Hawks as his preferred destination, with the Suns making it clear they want a high selection as part of any trade.

The Hawks have coveted Mitchell, 23, for some time and, should he seek a shift home to Victoria, a deal for him could be done quicker than for O'Meara. He, too, is worth a high first-round pick.

Rival clubs on Monday said the Hawks were busy attempting to secure a high first-round pick, with medium-sized forward Luke Breust continuing to bubble as trade bait.

The Hawks' first selection in the national draft is No.14 overall – but a higher pick will almost certainly be required to accrue either Mitchell or O'Meara. The Hawks also have the option of dipping into their future picks and ceding their first pick from the 2017 draft, but the Swans or Suns would then have to weigh up where they thought the Hawks would finish next year. Beaten by Geelong and the Western Bulldogs in this year's finals series, they remain a legitimate finals contender next year.

Mitchell played in all matches this season and was arguably the Swans' best player of the finals, averaging 28 disposals.

The Hawks have also been linked to Richmond's Ty Vickery, a restricted free agent who is seen helping a forward line lacking a key marking option.

While Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson and Shaun Burgoyne will play on next year, three, if not all four, are expected to retire at the end of next season.

This will open up space in the salary cap to back end deals for this year's major trade targets, and even room for more hunting next year.