"I think history says that most players will get where they want to go. I'm confident we can secure him," Schwab told SEN Tuesday morning.

However, Schwab concedes that negotiations are not going well.

"We know he's an outstanding player. So we know we have to give up a significant amount for him. And right at this stage we think our first selection in the national draft is a significant amount. Collingwood obviously don't, so there's a bit of a stalemate."

Collingwood recruiting chief Derek Hine, speaking to Trade Radio not much later, confirmed the deadlock.

"From our side of things we've got a very clear understanding of where he sits in the competition and he's a contracted player," Hine said.

"We clearly rate Dayne as a player that's just really moving into the prime of his career.

"Clearly he's an elite player in the competition.

"It's going to take a little bit more than pick four, put it this way."

Hine emphasised that Collingwood's need for experienced players was excacerbated by the potential departure of Beams, and the Magpies might accept two high draft picks, which might enable them to trade for an experienced midfielder.

He said Collingwood's "list profile" had lost 2300 games of experience in two seasons.

"Logic would suggest we would have to get someone in - either a readymade player or the potential to activate a readymade player via our first pick," Hine said.

Two other restless senior Lions may offer Schwab some bargaining power, but it remains unclear if Joel Patfull – who reportedly wants to move to Sydney – or Daniel Merrett can help the Lions secure Beams.

"I think Joel has ideas of moving to Sydney after his playing career so that's known by us. But right at the moment speaking with Justin – Joel's a two-time club champion and finished third this year – so we'd hope he'd move to Sydney after he finished his footy career."

Schwab said he hadn't even thought about using Patfull as part of a deal to secure Beams, saying he was dealing with Collingwood directly.

But the Lions seem less concerned about retaining 29-year-old, 171-game veteran Daniel Merrett.

"A lot of interest came for Daniel and I think that sparked him a little. He has been… a great player for Brisbane. By his own admission he would say he's been a little flat in his footy in the last 12 months.

"I know he's exploring some options, so well just wait and see what Daniel comes up with - if he wants to be traded or not  - and then we'll consider it…" Schwab said.

Hine said the Magpies had made a formal offer to former Lion and Demon Mitch Clark, having done due diligence on his mental and physical fitness, and they expect him to decide between the Magpies and the Cats in the next two days.