BRISBANE is making an $8 million raid to secure powerhouse bookends for next season.

The Lions have already targeted Richmond defender Alex Rance and have added gun Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon to their wish list.

They are prepared to offer five year contracts to the pair and at about $750,000 a season for both players, the salary packages come close to $4 million each.

Dixon, who is out of contract at season's end and is in discussions with the Suns, also has Fremantle in pursuit.

While the Lions want to complement their midfield riches with key positional talent, the Dockers are looking for a replacement for skipper Matthew Pavlich, who will retire this year or next.

Dixon's manager Peter Blucher yesterday would not speak about the Lions specifically, but said Dixon was in demand.

''There are number of clubs interested in Charlie as you would expect for a player who can play key forward and ruck,'' Blucher said.

media_camera Charlie Dixon gets a handball away under pressure. Picture: Getty

Lions chief executive Greg Swann was also evasive. ''We're always interested in good players and as our coach Justin Leppitsch has said several times, we are looking to recruit key position players.''

It's believed the Lions have hefty salary cap room, despite the acquisition of Dayne Beams and Allan Christensen.

Dixon, 24, has played 54 games for the Suns and has not played more than 14 games in each of his four seasons.

It's believed he has not yet committed to Suns because he wants to see ow the club performs in the second half of the season.

He has been one of the few shining lights ina deplorable season and the lions hope to entice him with their talent-laden midfield.

media_camera Lions coach Justin Leppitsch. Picture: Getty

The Rance situation remains at an impasse.

The Tigers have met with his manager Tom Petroro about a new contract, but no significant ground has been made.

Lions coach Justin Leppitsch, a confessed friend of Rance, said he hasn't used his friendship to lure Rance north.

''We're really strong, we're good mates, always have been, and I'm really close with his family and I catch up with him,'' Leppitsch said on SEN Radio.

''But one thing, and even Richmond knows this, I talk to him as friend first and foremost, and not as Brisbane Lions coach.

''All our conversations are that way.

''When we speak it's about his issues, about what he's going through and personal things.

''It's not about "Come to the Brisbane', it's not a recruiting ploy at all from the Lions.

''Alex, and everyone who knows him will tell you, he's a very single-minded man, he will make his choice and that will be that.

Leppitsch said he believed Rance would continue playing AFL.

''And the rest he will work out,'' the coach said.