STAR forward Chad Wingard has told Port Adelaide he’s keen to move to Hawthorn in the trade period.

The 25-year-old made his position official this afternoon after days of speculation about his future.

In a statement, Port Adelaide confirmed the contracted star had made the trade request.

“As we’ve mentioned from the beginning of the trade period, the only way that the Port Adelaide Football Club would consider a trade for Chad Wingard, is if Chad requested to explore his options at another club,” Port football manager Chris Davies said.

“Chad has now informed us of his want to explore the opportunity that Hawthorn have presented him. However, he is also aware that unless an acceptable trade can be struck, that he will be playing for Port Adelaide in 2019.”

“Unless Port Adelaide is suitably compensated, a trade will not happen.”

Premiership Eagle Scott Lycett has joined Port Adelaide after West Coast declined to match an offer for the restricted free agent.
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It comes after Wingard released a cryptic message on social media last week, noting fans will hear his side of the story when "the time is right".

"Unless a statement comes from me or my management, don't listen to them," Wingard posted on Instagram.

Hawthorn is rumoured to be considering young defender Ryan Burton as potential trade bait in a deal for Wingard