Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says it’s not his priority to recruit Melbourne’s former No.1 draft pick Jack Watts, claiming he wants to re-sign his own players first before looking at other options.

Rumours are building that Watts will seek a trade away from Melbourne at the end of the season, with the 22-year-old keen to start afresh after a forgettable five years at the Demons.

Watts was billed as a future superstar when he was taken by Melbourne with pick No.1 in the 2008 national draft, ahead of West Coast’s Nic Naitanui.

But the 196cm utility has struggled to live up to the hype in his 59 games to date, with Melbourne’s shocking form not helping his cause.

Fremantle have been touted as one of eight clubs keen to secure Watts.

But Lyon was holding his cards close to his chest on Friday, especially after dealing with all the rumours linking Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin to Fremantle earlier in the season, and in more recent times Geelong’s Harry Taylor.

“It’s just a weekly procession,” Lyon said.

“I don’t like talking about players from other clubs.

“I can still remember Geelong flying in and talking to Travis Boak – an entourage last year. So it’s the climate we’re in where they’re targeting opportunities, particularly free agents and young talent.

“We’re no different. We are looking at opportunities.

“But I’m on record as (saying) our priority is our players, our list.

“Secure them, which our list management team is doing at a really good rate. And then after we’ve got our own talent secured, we’ll look for opportunities in the market. But it’s not my priority.”

Watts is set to return from a hamstring injury for Sunday’s clash with Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.