Essendon are understood to have sparked interest in Collingwood free agent Jordan De Goey over a potential move for the Magpies midfielder.

The Bombers, who are reported to be loaded with salary space for the off-season, are anticipated to have a busy sign and trade period despite currently being without a senior coach.

The situation is likely to concern potential targets across the coming weeks, with Essendon needing to persuade potential suitors while they work through their coaching hunt.

Understood to be equipped with a $3 million war chest, the Bombers have already been linked to several high-profile names in recent weeks, including a potential pursuit of Carlton's Harry McKay for next year.

Target Cam Zurhaar has been noted to be nearing a finalised deal at North Melbourne, forcing the Bombers to cross another name off their wishlist.

Having lost Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Devon Smith this year to retirement, the Dons have looked to find a new spark in attack, and De Goey might be their man.

According toย The Herald Sun,ย Essendon have begun their drive to pry De Goey out of Collingwood, even relying on members of their playing group to present to the 26-year-old.

De Goey has garnered reported interest from St Kilda and Geelong this year as he assesses his free agency options, with Collingwood a strong chance to retain their star man.

The Saints have been given the green light to try and lure De Goey to Moorabbin, while Geelong's interest seemingly hasn't been as strong.

A call on his future is unlikely to come until after his side's finals series is completed, with a deep enough run for the Magpies potentially aiding the Bombers as they look to find their next coach.

Collingwood are expected to table De Goey an incentive-based deal for 2023 and beyond, an offer that comes after the club pulled a reported two-year deal from the table following the midfield-forward's mid-season Bali incident.

The Ashburton product is likely to earn in the vicinity of $800,000 per season on his next deal, whether that be with Collingwood or not.