HAWTHORN is set to meet Ryan O'Keefe today or tomorrow in a bid to ascertain whether the uncontracted Sydney forward can fit in the club's tight player payments regime.

While Carlton has all but ruled out trading its first draft pick, No. 6, for O'Keefe and Collingwood has indicated it would not part with its first pick, No. 11, Hawthorn's main issue is whether it can meet O'Keefe's salary demands without unbalancing its carefully managed salary cap.

Hawthorn player personnel manager, Chris Pelchen, yesterday confirmed that the Hawks intended to meet O'Keefe about joining the club.

Sydney has asked the Hawks not only for their first-round pick (No. 16), but a player, in return for O'Keefe.

"We've said we're not in a position to make a formal offer, but we're interested," Pelchen said of O'Keefe.

O'Keefe was believed to be paid about $450,000 in 2008 — an amount Hawthorn would struggle to pay next year, given that it would, on current contracts, mean O'Keefe would likely earn more than Lance "Buddy" Franklin in 2009. So it means persuading O'Keefe to accept less than other clubs are willing to offer.

In other trading:

■The Western Bulldogs' search for a key forward has led them to express interest in Richmond's Jay Schulz, who also has attracted interest from Port Adelaide; Schulz was recently signed to a two-year contract.

■St Kilda has informed Hawthorn of an interest in forward Tim Boyle, who has attracted some interest from the Bulldogs.

The Saints are expected to talk to Boyle before he heads overseas.

■Port Adelaide has also shown interest in uncontracted Saint Xavier Clarke, while the Tigers lead the race for Port's uncontracted midfielder Adam Thomson.

■Hawthorn has indicated it is willing to listen to offers for forwards Mitch Thorp and Beau Dowler.

■Richmond has placed Kayne Pettifer, Dean Polo, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls and Danny Meyer on the trade table.