Essendon has re-emerged as a contender for Greater Western Sydney star Josh Kelly.
As the Herald Sun reported on Tuesday, the Bombers have joined North Melbourne, St Kilda and Carlton as frontrunners for the 22-year-olds services from 2018 and beyond.
It has been reported that GWS are confident of retaining Kelly on a two-year deal however the Bombers have "made their interest known" to Kelly's manager, Paul Connors.
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell declined to comment on the club's recruiting strategy in the off-season but did say that the club is "in a position to be active this post-season."
The Bombers are in a strong position to bolster their squad for 2018 with Jobe Watson's retirement freeing up cap space along with the possible retirements of Brent Stanton, Heath Hocking as well as a number of several delisting's to take place.
North Melbourne was the first club to publicly state their intention for the Giants midfielder, offering a deal to be worth close to $10m over nine years.
โThereโs big offers for a young man just starting the game out entering his fourth year,โ Connors said, speaking on Fox Footy's Open Mike, in an episode that will air on Tuesday night.
Kelly is averaging 29.6 disposals and 6.2 tackles per game in 2017 including a stunning 43-disposal game on the weekend against West Coast, helping secure his side a top four berth in September.
