Gold Coast free agent Brayden Fiorini has elected Essendon as his preferred destination after the Bombers confirmed the Victorian was "a player of interest".
Fiorini is an unrestricted free agent who held interest from both the Bombers and Port Adelaide, while the Suns were keen on retaining the Northern Knights junior.
Speaking on Monday morning, Essendon list manager Matt Rosa confirmed that the 28-year-old was in their sights five days out from the free agency deadline.
"Brayden is a player of interest for us," Rosa said.
"I've crossed paths with Brayden and know the high-end character that he is, and he played a really important role this year for the Suns on the wing.
"He is a player of interest, and we'll continue to work through and see how that one looks."
A meeting with Port Adelaide was part of Fiorini's process, with the Power to join the Suns in missing out on the midfielder's services.
Fiorini's manager, Liam Pickering, confirmed on Trade Radio that Fiorini has elected the Dons, and will join them as a free agent this week.
"He's going to play for the Bombers," Pickering said.
"I caught up with him this morning - we have told the Bombers. The Suns put a compelling offer to him to stay.
"He liked the meeting with Port Adelaide as well, but Essendon is a good fit for him"
It's unclear whether the Suns and Bombers could be involved in a trade for Fiorini, who, should he join Essendon via free agency, could dilute the compensation the club received for Sam Draper's departure.
Free agency will run through to 5:00pm (AEDT) on Friday.
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