A deal was nearly struck between Carlton and Essendon over Adam Saad until the Blues backed out at the last minute.
According to a report by The Herald Sun, both clubs had agreed on a trade on Tuesday night after a gruelling three hours of negotiating.
The swap would've seen Essendon send Saad and a future third-round pick to Carlton for Pick 8 and a future fourth rounder.
It is believed that Saad’s managers Marty Pask and John Meesen from Kapital Sports were a central part of the negotiations.
However, just as talks were set to be finalised, the Blues reportedly pulled out of the agreement.
AFL Media's Mitch Cleary reports that the Blues want a second-round pick back from the Bombers, however, Essendon say that pick is linked to trade talks with Giant Jye Caldwell.
Saad's camp has reportedly been left frustrated by the stalemate between the two clubs as his future remains up in the air.
The AFL trade period ends on Thursday night at 7.30pm AEST.