SYDNEY coach Paul Roos is confident that Andrew Lovett can become a less wayward player both on and off the field should the Swans secure him from Essendon during next week's trade period.

Roos, who confirmed the club's interest in the midfielder, is also keen to speak with Ryan O'Keefe in the next few days to find out why the three-year deal he thought the 27-year-old had agreed to doesn't seem to have been enough.

Carlton, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs have all expressed interest in the half-forward, who is believed to have verbally agreed to terms with Sydney about a week ago, before deciding to explore other options.

Roos, who met Lovett in Sydney at the start of this week, said the Swans were waiting to hear back from his management company before trying to negotiate a deal with the Bombers, with whom Lovett remains under contract.

But he said the 25-year-old would bring much-needed speed to the Sydney midfield, and would be able to start afresh should he choose to move north.

"Sydney's a very good environment and we've got a good track record, but I think it's often up to the player himself. I think they need to make a decision that football is their focus," Roos said yesterday.

"When we get them to the club, we don't worry too much about what's happened in the past. I've spoken to Andrew and he seems like a good kid. He's obviously had some disciplinary problems but we've spoken to some people at Essendon about it as well and they've been really good.

"We're confident that if he does come up to Sydney, he'll come up as a focused player who's ready to go. He's played some really, really good football in the past and we think he could be a very good player for us."

Roos said he remained puzzled by O'Keefe's decision to test the waters outside Sydney, and expected the All-Australian was only a 50-50 chance to remain in Sydney colours next year.

"It's a confusing one for us because we thought we had a financial deal done with Ryan and they've come back to us last night with a slightly revised offer. So there is a possibility he'll go, but I need to get in front of Ryan over the next 24 hours and see where he's at," Roos said.

"We'll see what happens, but at this stage, I'd say it would be a 50-50. It's surprised us because when you reach an agreement with someone, you tend to think it's all done and dusted."