St Kilda expect to land Dan Hannebery in coming days with talks with Sydney escalating on Thursday.
The Saints and Swans met to nut out the final details of the trade which would see the Sydney vice-captain move home to Melbourne.
"Both clubs have been talking pretty amicably so it will get done today or not too far away," said Saints football manager Simon Lethlean.
He said the club had identified the need for more experience in the club, which Hannebery offered after 10 seasons with the Swans, including one premiership in 2012.
"Dan's a 200-game, three-time All Australian who has finished top five in the Brownlow three times," Lethlean said.
"He's 27, he's an elite midfielder, which is what we've been looking for, and he'll bring great on-field and off-field leadership."
Lethlean conceded Hannebery's form had dipped in recent years but the Saints felt there were plenty of years of good football in him.
"Dan's had a couple of years below his best without pre-seasons with some injuries but the work we've done suggests his body is in good shape and he's excited to come home to Melbourne."
Lethlean said there was no stumbling block to getting the deal done, and it had only been delayed by a focus on other trade talks such as Tom Hickey's signing with West Coast.
Melbourne utility Dean Kent has also nominated St Kilda, with Lethlean describing him as a strong addition.
"He will add some real forward power, speed and pressure," he said.
Despite losing Hickey to the Eagles, Lethlean said they still had three ruckmen on their books with Billy Longer set to be given first crack.
