LIN Jong will be at either the Western Bulldogs or Gold Coast next year, after Collingwood withdrew its interest in the midfielder.

It leaves the Suns as the only rival club seriously considering Jong, although there remains a distinct possibility that he will remain at the premiers.

The out-of-contract 23-year-old made headlines when he toured the Holden Centre midway through the year, but foxfooty.com.au understands Collingwood is now focused on other potential trade targets.

Jong told The Herald Sun on Friday that he regretted his mid-season meeting with the Pies.

Finals Week 1

“If I had my time over again I definitely would not have done that, mainly because I didn’t want to jeopardise anything or become a distraction for the team,” Jong said.

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“I do really hope it didn’t affect the team in any way or the boys thought differently of me because that was my biggest concern.

“But obviously looking back it would have been done a lot differently. It was nothing to do with the club it was more about exploring my options, but the timing wasn’t the best.”

The grand final emergency said he would consult family and friends before making a decision on his future.

“Once the season is over I can sit down and have a good hard think about it with a lot of people close to me and as I said I will choose what is going to be best for me,” Jong said.

“It’s not going to be an easy decision whatever it is, but I know the club has been there for me from day one. They took a chance on me and I won’t forget that.”

Lin Jong of the Bulldogs wishes Luke Beveridge good luck. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

In July, coach Luke Beveridge said the Dogs had tabled a two-year offer to Jong.

“We love Jongy. We think he makes valuable contributions and he’s only going to improve, so he’s a really important player for us. We don’t want to lose him,” he said.

“It’s a two-year offer, it’s not a one-year offer.”

The Suns are on the hunt for midfield talent after Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara requested trades to Richmond and Hawthorn.

“They could turn it out around quickly if they get it right,” Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Monday.

Jong fits the profile of the type of player they are after, having played 39 games for the Dogs since debuting in 2012.

He was named best on ground in the VFL grand final for Footscray a fortnight ago.