DESPITE trade week not officially starting for another week, there are plenty of rumours going around football media outlets today.

According to AFL.com.au, Port Adelaide has been linked with Jared Polec and Heath Shaw as the AFL's off-season begins.

The Power is locked in a battle with cross-town rival Adelaide for the signature of Polec. The 20-year-old has informed the Lions of his desire to return home to South Australia and it now comes down to which local team can come up with the best offer to satisfy the Lions and Polec.

AFL.com.au reports that the Crows could trade Ricky Henderson to secure a second-round pick, which they then hope to use to acquire Polec. Port Adelaide already has a first and second round pick, ahead of the Crows' first pick, which is in round three.

Shaw, who turns 28 this year, has been linked with a move to GWS, but AFL.com.au reports the Power has also shown interest in the running defender. Shaw's 173 games experience could add value to the Power's backline, but Ken Hinkley's youth policy may make the move unlikely.

The Giants, who will meet Shaw this week, are also keen to play the 2010 premiership star in the midfield, according to News Limited.

The Pies are believed to be hopeful of engineering a straight swap for tough midfielder Taylor Adams, 20.

News Limited also reports that Melbourne could trade its NAB AFL Draft pick No. 2 for Shaw and the Pies' pick 10.

White hot on Pies

Collingwood could land Sydney Swans mobile key forward Jesse White with a second- or third-round pick, according to News Limited.

White, who enjoyed the best of his seven seasons with the Swans in 2013, will meet the Pies on Monday after selecting them as his intended home.

The Western Bulldogs have also signalled their interest in White, but lag well behind the Magpies given their ladder standing.

Dusty's slimming options

Richmond star Dustin Martin is increasingly likely to be forced to accept a two-year, $1 million offer from the Tigers, with rival clubs pulling out of the race for his services and no known suitors keen to secure him.

News Limited reports that only a backflip from a Melbourne club would provide the 22-year-old with an alternative deal.

Other news

Given the likelihood that Shaw will be traded, Collingwood is believed to be considering matching Carlton's offer to restricted free agent Dale Thomas.

The Blues are increasingly unlikely to retain small forward Eddie Betts, also a restricted free agent, who is tipped to join Adelaide on a four-year deal worth around $2 million. The Blues are unlikely to match this offer.

News Limited reports that only an attractive offer from West Coast could upset the Crows' bid.

Crows ruckman/forward Shaun McKernan wants to return to his native Victoria.