The Chicago Cubs have long been linked to Manny Machado as he approaches free agency this coming winter.

Machado is also a candidate to be traded as the Baltimore Orioles struggle with seemingly no change to re-sign him.

According to a report, the Cubs expect to discuss a possible trade for Machado once the Orioles become open to swinging a deal.

The Cubs would at least attempt to sign Machado to a contract extension before he hits the open market if they acquired him.