Melbourne coach Paul Roos says the Dees are interested in banned Essendon defender Michael Hibberd.
Speaking on SEN Radio, Roos said the club has discussed the prospect of signing Hibberd.
However, the premiership coach said he is unaware how far negotiations have progressed.
"Have we discussed Michael (Hibberd)? Yes we have, I don't know at what level it has got too though," Roos said.
Six of Essendon's current 12 banned players (Tom Bellchambers, Travis Colyer, David Myers, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker and Heath Hocking) have so far committed to the club for the 2017 season.
Hibberd, 26, has played 84 career matches with the Bombers since being selected with pick No.4 in the 2011 Pre-Season Draft.
Love Pig and think he will be a massive loss but he’s one I think probably suffered a bit more from the whole saga than others. Never really played his best after the saga and I think it maybe best for him to play for the Dees or elsewhere. Maybe I’m wrong but over the years watching him at tullamarine, he has never seemed much of a club man at Essendon (maybe it’s his character) but I wouldn’t be surprised if this whole thing has made him fall out of love with the Bombers. In saying that, I’d love to see him re-sign but the Bombers have a few running back options and maybe we can get a second rounder for him which I think would be about right. Dees need someone like him pretty bad and he has a bunch of talent running off the back line, good age for their list to make a tilt. Bombers need to get some young blood coming through and the backline should hold together with what they have. Win/Win i’d say, although I do love watching him in the red and black.