Essendon have met with Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw ahead of this year's free agency period.
The Age reported on Thursday night that Brayshaw met with Bombers coach Ben Rutten and football boss John Mahoney.
The 26-year-old has been a regular in the reigning premiers side this season, averaging over 24 disposals and more than eight marks from 24 games.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Kicks
Brayshaw has spent parts of the last two seasons in defence or on the wing, and Essendon's pitch reportedly centres on him playing more midfield in order to draw him away from the reigning premiers.
Channel 7 reported in June that Geelong are also interested in Brayshaw, while Fremantle, where his brother Andrew plays, remain in the picture.
In addition to acquiring the services of the premiership star, the Bombers have also inquired about Demons small forward Toby Bedford, per reports from Mitch Cleary.
The 22-year-old has made 15 appearances for Melbourne this year, however, seven of those have been as an unused sub.
He has played just two games in his first three seasons, and comes out of contract at season end.
Those at Tullamarine have been hunting a small forward for the last 12 months, coming close to obtaining Giant Bobby Hill after the 22-year-old requested a trade to Tullamarine in 2021.
Speaking to media on Friday though, Bombers coach Ben Rutten remained tightlipped on Essendon's interest in the Melbourne star.
"It's one of those things. We're getting to that stage of the year where every club is looking at different avenues to be able to strengthen and bolster their list and we're no different to that," Rutten said.
"It's probably not one of those things I want to be commenting on, on contracted players at other clubs.
"We're certainly looking to improve our list, there's a number of avenues to be able to do that and at the right time we'll talk about that."