Sydney have emerged as the frontrunners to secure Charlie Curnow in an AFL trade after the contracted Carlton star toured their facilities, though there is plenty of work still to be done.

Curnow's fate was among several proposed moves that still hung in the balance on Monday, two days out from Wednesday's 7.30pm (AEDT) deadline.

The Carlton key forward, Essendon captain Zach Merrett, Melbourne premiership midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, and North Melbourne captain Jy Simpkin are yet to learn where they will play next season.

As of Monday there was no word out of Essendon about Merrett, who is yet to officially ask for a trade to Hawthorn.

Curnow was in Sydney touring the Swans' facilities on Monday evening, meeting again with coach Dean Cox as he explores his option

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