I don't know how Kouta can be holidaying in Perth when he was at St.Vincent's Private just a week ago for the birth of his second child. How do I know this? I work next door at the Public and saw him myself in Victoria Pde.
I doubt he would take his wife and new born to Perth in such a short time.

In other trade news, Carlton is standing firm and won't budge on the deal on the table for out-of-contract forward Lance Whitnall.

While Melbourne remains very interested in snaring Whitnall, the Blues aren't swaying, and an offer of about $350,000 a season will not be increased.

It's understood Whitnall wants at least $400,000 a season.

Talks with Scott Camporeale and Matthew Lappin on their futures at Optus Oval have virtually been put on hold pending the outcome of negotiations with Whitnall.

And Carlton key-position player Lance Whitnall remains out of contract despite his position being discussed at length at a board meeting this week.

Whitnall was hoping that a new two-year deal would have been finalised before he left for an overseas holiday.

Blues chief executive Michael Malouf yesterday said the club and Whitnall's agent Ricky Nixon were still in the negotiating phase. "I don't expect anything to happen until Lance comes back from holiday," Malouf said.

The dispute is purely over remuneration and it is understood the Carlton board did not increase its previous offer.