Carlton is "very keen" to re-sign out-of-contract ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, Blues football manager Andrew McKay says.
 
The Blues have pick No.1 in this year's NAB AFL Draft after finishing the season at the bottom of the ladder following last Saturday's 57-loss to Hawthorn.
 
But should Kreuzer leave as a restricted free agent, the Blues could also potentially be handed draft selection No.2 as free agency compensation.
 
Depending on the 26-year-old's contract value at his new club, the Blues could be entitled to receive the same band of compensation that saw Melbourne gifted pick No.3 in last year's draft – Angus Brayshaw – for losing James Frawley to Hawthorn.
 
McKay said he was hoping Kreuzer would be part of the Blues' rebuild under new coach Brendon Bolton.
 
"We're in close negotiations with Matthew's management and we'll continue to be in close negotiations with them," McKay told Channel Nine on Monday night.
 
"We're hoping to get a deal done in the near future."
 
When asked if Kreuzer wanted to remain at the club, McKay said: "As far as we're aware, absolutely, and we certainly want him.
 
"He's a required player, not only because he's a such a very good player but also a very good person, so we're very keen to sign him up."
 
Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs are reportedly among a host of clubs interested in signing the 200cm ruckman.
 
Kreuzer has played 119 games over eight injury-interrupted seasons for the Blues since being recruited with pick No.1 in the 2007 national draft.