Carlton's bid to snare Ryan O'Keefe seems to have fallen in a heap, with chief executive Greg Swann admitting the club's focus is now on recruiting young talent in the national draft.
The Blues believe O'Keefe will stick with the Swans, although Essendon officials are expected to meet with the star Sydney forward with draft selection No.5 up their sleeves.
O'Keefe's manager, Tom Petroro, admits the Swans and Bombers remain the most likely options, all but ruling out Carlton.
"We think he will stay in Sydney and we haven't spoken to his manager," Swann told News Limited.
"I would be staggered if he doesn't stay in Sydney."