UPDATE: Reports emerged early on Monday night that Essendon had tabled a record breaking offer for Richmond star, Dustin Martin.
However, the Bombers have responded to the rumours, stating the club has not made such an offer.
"Essendon Football Club can categorically confirm that no offer has been made to Dustin Martin or his management and reports suggesting otherwise are unfounded," the club said in a statement on the club's website on Monday evening.
Earlier on Monday, former Melbourne forward and SEN presenter, David Schwarz, stated he believes the Dons are the front runners for the free agent and have offered him $1.6 million per season.
"My understanding is that Essendon are in it up to their eyelids,” Schwarz said on SEN’s The Run Home on Monday night.
“I believe they are front-runners…(I’ve heard) $1.6 (million).”
It is double what the Tigers had initially offered Martin, however, the Tigers are now likely to up their offer to closer to $1 million a year.
North Melbourne is also in the race for Martin's signature and are reportedly set to offer a six-year deal worth over one million dollars per season.
The Roos believe they can fit both GWS young gun Josh Kelly and Martin into their salary cap, particularly given the departure of four club stalwarts at the end of last season.
Martin will be a restricted free agent at season's end, meaning the Tigers have the right to match any free agency offer from a rival club. However, if they do so, they will be the first club to successful match a free agency offer and keep their player.
