http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/martin-to-stay-with-tigers-20130823-2she5.htmlRichmond star Dustin Martin will sign a two-year deal with the Tigers worth close to $1 million.
It is understood anxiety over the protracted talks recently prompted the intervention of Martin's father, Shane, who has spoken with club officials about the importance of reaching a deal before the finals.
While Richmond had remained confident it would retain its explosive young forward-midfielder, negotiations stalled with the player's manager suggesting he was fielding offers from as many as four other clubs.
Club and player in recent months were reportedly separated by more than $100,000, with Martin's manager Ralph Carr demanding about $600,000 a season for his player.
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But Richmond, determined not to repeat history by overpaying its players, coupled with the inevitable demands of an improving team and a salary cap squeeze, resisted.
Fairfax Media reported last week that the Martin camp had rejected an offer by Richmond, a report that was suggested to have proved something of a distraction to the player whose solid form this season has him in the top five of the club's best and fairest.
Martin's preference, according to his father, was also to remain at Richmond.
The deal is expected to be resolved next week and definitely before the finals.
