Carlton is set to acquire Essendon star Adam Saad during the upcoming trade period, according to multiple reports.
The 26-year old has informed the Bombers that he wants to be traded to the Blues in the November window, who have offered a five-year deal worth around $650,000 a season, per reports.
It comes after the out-of-contract speedster expressed uncertainty over Essendon's direction and deliberated over his future in recent weeks, wanting to be a part of a successful environment.
Several senior Essendon club figures and skipper Dyson Heppell recently spoke to Saad to try and convince him stay at the club, according to The Herald Sun.
The Bombers increased their original offer to Saad from four years to five years, but their best efforts have seemingly come up short.
As Saad is not eligible for free agency, the two arch rivals will need to facilitate a trade.
The Bombers would likely command a first-round pick in a trade - with the Blues currently holding picks 7 and 27 in the first two rounds.
Saad finished top three in Essendon's best and fairest in each of the last two seasons, averaging 18.9 disposals and 4.5 rebound 50s from 17 games in 2020.
It would mark the dashing defender's third AFL club, originally getting by the Gold Coast Suns with Pick 25 in the 2014 Rookie Draft. He was traded to Essendon at the end of 2017 for a second-round pick.
It shapes as a major coup for Carlton, who are also set to land restricted free agent Giant Zac Williams on a long-term deal.
The Bombers lost eight of their last 10 games to finish 13th on the ladder in John Worsfold's final season as coach before handing the reigns over to Ben Rutten.
Star forward Joe Daniher has also been weighing up his future as he enters free agency amid links to several rival clubs.
The Bombers could lose all four of Saad, Daniher retired Irishman Conor McKenna and Orazio Fantasia.
