Three clubs are believed to be circling Essendon star Zach Merrett despite knowing the midfielder is unlikely to leave Tullamarine, per Fox Sports' Tom Morris.

The 24-year-old is contracted with the Bombers until the end of next season, with Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and Carlton reportedly looking to trade for the Essendon gun in the upcoming off-season.

โ€œI donโ€™t think Essendonโ€™s going to trade him, but that hasnโ€™t stopped clubs hovering. Carlton, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn I understand have some level of interest in Zach Merrett,โ€ Morris told On The Couch.

โ€œAlthough it seems impossible they could get a trade done โ€ฆ the fact these clubs are hovering and are at least asking the question just tells us thereโ€™s a fair bit of unrest at Essendon at the moment.

โ€œThey absolutely reckon theyโ€™re an outside chance, otherwise they wouldnโ€™t be in the game at all. And if it doesnโ€™t happen in the next month, it might happen in 12 monthsโ€™ time when he comes out of contract.

โ€œThis is โ€˜pre agencyโ€™ at its absolute best. This is why players have more power than ever before.โ€

Merrett finished second in the Bombers' Best and Fairest count to Jordan Ridley after a stellar season in the red and back.