Essendon's interest in Western bulldogs star midfielder Josh Dunkley is "100 per cent accurate" according to SEN's Sam Edmund, with the Bombers looking to take on a major role in the upcoming exchange period.
It was reported by 7 News' Tom Browne on Monday that Essendon were armed with a war chest and were keen on the Bulldogs onballer.
The Bombers will have a significant amount of salary cap space with the imminent depurates of Joe Daniher, Adam Saad and Orazio Fantasia, along with a handful of draft selections via compensation.
With the club still hoping to break into the top eight and end their finals victory drought, the club have turned their attention to Dunkley.
The 23-year-old is contracted with the Bulldogs, with Edmund reporting the Bombers are pressing for his signature.
“The interest from Essendon is there and the story is 100 per cent accurate,” he said.
“They’ve asked the question and he’s contracted at Western Bulldogs – it would take a fair bit to get him out if he was even willing to get out.
“He will have the final say on that, but the interest (from the Bombers) is real.”
Dunkley had an injury riddled 2020 campaign but has impressed immensely within the Bulldogs midfield alongside Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae in recent years.
