The Melbourne Renegades are set to lose one of their brightest young talents, with all-rounder Matt Short expected to join the Adelaide Strikers.

Short, 22, is out of contract with the Renegades, and had been the subject of interest from several Big Bash League clubs, including the Melbourne Stars.

However it’s understood Short is posed to head to the reigning BBL champions for next summer, in search of greater opportunities.

Short had limited chances with the Renegades this season, and then was curiously dropped for the side’s semi-final against the Strikers despite making 62 in the side’s last regular season game against Brisbane Heat. The decision to drop Short looked stranger after left-arm spinner Jon Holland didn’t bowl an over in the Renegades’ one-run loss, with captain Cameron White opting not to risk the Test tweaker against a Strikers top order line-up stacked with left-handed batsmen.

Coincidentally it’s believed the Strikers’ interest in Short stems in part from the fact he is a right-handed batsman, which will provide greater variety to their top seven.

Also a handy off-spinner, Short made a century against England in a pre-Ashes tour match, and has been a fringe member of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield side.

Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said on Saturday that he was hopeful Short would remain with the club next season, but that now looks highly unlikely.

"We've been in constant discussions with him and he's definitely someone I'd love to keep," McDonald said.

Having made the finals for the first time in five years, the Renegades could also lose West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. Brad Hodge has retired, while fellow veteran Brad Hogg is almost certain to depart the club, having fallen out of favour late this season, his second at the Renegades.