The Adam Saad to Carlton move seemed like an unchallenging deal when the dashing half-back requested a trade to Carlton.
However, with just days left in the trade period, the deal is yet to go through and is moving forward at a slow rate, with a number of clubs apparently awaiting this deal to go through so they can push forward with their own trade plans, per SEN's Sam Edmund.
Essendon are keen to secure Carlton's pick 8 which would give them picks 6,7 and 8 in the national draft, but the Blues want to see something in return should they depart with their first pick.
The Blues had tinkered with the idea of splitting pick 8 for two later first round picks but the Bombers were left angered by that idea.
The stall in negotiations have reportedly given Essendon hope of retaining Saad, as they offered to match Carlton's offer but the damage is seemingly done.
The Blues are eyeing off Essendon's future second round pick as a sweetener for losing pick 8 but the Bombers are hoping to use that pick for Giant's midfielder Jye Caldwell.
They have instead offered the Blues this years 4th round pick (67 overall).
Essendon also need to retain picks for two possible academy picks and a play for Josh Dunkley.
Negotiations have been slow due in part to Essendon's ambitious request for one of either Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay, Sam Walsh or Tom De Koning in a swap for Saad.
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