AFL Rd 18 - Essendon v Melbourne
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Adam Saad of the Bombers kicks during the round 18 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Demons at Metricon Stadium on September 19, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

7NEWS journalist Mark Stevens reports that the Essendon have increased their offer to a five-year deal for star defender Adam Saad.

Saad is reportedly "split down the middle" on deciding his future as a number of rival clubs circle.

The 26-yer-old is hoping to better understand the direction the Bombers are heading despite the club upping their offer to a five-year deal.

Speaking on the Fox Footy Podcast, reporter Tom Morris believes Saad is no closer to a deal with the Bombers, while Carlton, North Melbourne and Melbourne continue their pursuit.

“The varying reports are really interesting because my firm understanding is not even Adam Saad knows what he’s doing next year,” he said.

“He’s split down the middle, he’s wrestling with his emotions and his future and doesn’t know what way he’s going to decide.

"It’s not necessarily about the money, it’s about the direction of the club. All he wants are answers and probably a plan of attack that will see Essendon compete again.”