Melbourne are making the early running for Richmond AFL young gun Dustin Martin, who has told the Tigers he wants to pursue rivals’ offers.

The Demons’ new coach Paul Roos has exchanged text messages with Martin’s management.

Martin says his stance doesn’t mean he has walked out on Richmond, just that he’s taking time to consider his future. The Tigers, however, seem resigned to losing him.

That could open the door for the Demons. Roos has stated he is willing to put the No.2 draft pick on the table for midfield talent.

“We have not put an offer to Dustin Martin at all,” Roos told Fox Footy’s “On The Couch” program on Monday night.

“I feel uncomfortable talking about Dustin because I haven’t spoken to him. I haven’t spoken to Ralph (manager Ralph Carr).

“Until I actually talk to his management or talk to him … certainly from our point of view we have done nothing in relation to Dustin Martin.

“His best is 600 ($600,000 per season), that’s what he’s asking.

“His performance is probably between that 450 to 600-mark I would think.”

Richmond issued a statement on Monday, saying they were extremely disappointed that after months of negotiation and their belief they had been close to a new deal, Martin and his management had told them he was considering other options.

“Given the considerable effort we have put into Dustin’s development both on and off the field, and our efforts to retain him all season, we are extremely disappointed with this decision,” Richmond’s football manager Dan Richardson said.

The Tigers said they had helped the 22-year-old, who was selected with the club’s No.3 national draft pick in 2009, develop as a person and a player.

Richardson hinted Martin’s unwillingness to re-sign was all about money.

“We understand the business of football, and Dustin’s right to pursue other opportunities,” he said.

“We have also stated previously that we are determined to adhere to our payment strategy for all of our players.”

The Tigers have reportedly offered Martin, who has played 86 games in his four seasons including all 23 this year, about $500,000 per season.

Martin used Twitter to issue his own statement, saying he hadn’t quit Richmond, but was considering his options.

“I want to make it clear that I appreciate everyone’s patience in allowing me the time to make this decision,” Martin said.

“The claims that I have walked out on the Richmond Football Club are totally incorrect.”

Martin is not a free agent, meaning if he does leave, his club of choice has to satisfy the Tigers in a trade or he has to take his chances through the draft.

That puts Melbourne in a strong position, given they can offer the No.2 pick.

Greater Western Sydney are also well-positioned to make a play as they hold the top picks in the national and pre-season drafts.

“He’s an exceptional midfielder,” GWS coach Leon Cameron told Fox Footy’s AFL360 program.

“We need to add some experience to our young list.”