Is Carlton plotting a huge 2021 free agency bid for star Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett?
The Blues are already set to pry Bombers speedster Adam Saad during this trade period, and according to Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark, have their sights on Merrett.
Merrett will become a restricted free agent next year and his uncertainty over Essendon's direction has already been raised.
Speaking on the Herald Sun's Trade TV, Clark believes Carlton are preparing to launch a big-money offer to Merrett in next year's free agency.
"Put this in your time capsule. I think Carlton is locked and loaded, and will throw the kitchen sink at Zach Merrett as a free agent next year," he said on Trade TV.
"I think they're largely pretty pleased with getting (Adam) Saad and Zac Williams, to add some speed and outside run.
"I just wonder now whether the main focus is on Zach Merrett on a million dollars a year as a free agent, who would come for nothing at the end of next year.
"He would be the perfect Robin to Patrick Cripps' Batman."
The dual best and fairest winner has played 142 AFL games for the Bombers after making his debut in 2014.
Merrett was vice-captain of the club for three years before his shock omission from the leadership group this season.
He averaged 26.2 disposals from 16 games in 2020.
