MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Jake Stringer of the Bulldogs during the round seven AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium on May 7, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer has met with Essendon officials as he prepares to leave the 2016 premiers.

Essendon confirmed chief executive Xavier Campbell met with Stringer last Wednesday. He also spoke with head coach John Worsfold and list manager Adrian Dodoro.

The game-changing forward would add to an already impressive Bombers forward line, which already boasts the likes of All-Australian Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia and Cale Hooker.

Essendon have been consistently linked to the 23-year-old but are battling Geelong for his signature.

The Bombers are able to offer a more lucrative contract and a better trade, given their first pick is no. 11.

The Cats' pursuit of Stringer is also complicated by their chase of homesick midfielder and former club champion Gary Ablett.

Meanwhile, Richmond General Manager of Football Talent Dan Richardson confirmed on SEN on Wednesday morning the Tigers have also met with Stringer's manager.

“We spoke to his [Stringer’s] management,” he said.

“You’re always looking at who’s available and whether or not they’re going to be the right option and fill a need on your list. We probably felt in the end that Jake’s not quite filling a specific need for us, albeit he is a very good player.

“We think with the likes of [Trent] Cotchin and Dusty [Dustin Martin] being able to play that midfield-forward role, and with a couple other young players coming through, we have that covered reasonably well.”

Stringer is one of the hottest trade properties this year after he was told he was surplus to requirements a fortnight ago.

Last week he said he was blindsided by the development and said he had never contemplated leaving the club.

"I took a phone call from [my manager] that let me know the club was putting me up for trade and I was in shock," he said.

"I love the boys and I love the club."

Stringer is contracted to the Bulldogs to the end of 2018.

The AFL trade period begins on October 9.