Essendon and Carlton have made a deal for star defender Adam Saad.

As first reported by AFL Media'sย Riley Beveridge, the Bombers have sent Saad, Picks 48 and 78 to the Blues for Pick 8 and 87.

It ends a long negotiating process between the two clubs, with Saad requesting a trade to Ikon Park 36 days ago.

โ€œTo have a player and person of Adamโ€™s quality nominate and ultimately join our football club is a great sign of the environment we are building here,โ€ Carltonย Head of List Management Nick Austin told the club website.

โ€œFew in the competition are better to watch when in full flight than Adam and we canโ€™t waitย to see his electrifying pace added to our backline which will be really excitingย for our members and supporters.ย 

โ€œIn addition to his attacking qualities, Adam has shownย aย consistent ability to shut opponents out of the game and it is that flexibility which will really add to our playing list. He is also comingย three consecutiveย topย fourย finishes in the best and fairest, which shows how much heย has beenย valued by his teammates and coaches.ย 

The AFL trade period ends on Thursday night at 7.30pm AEST.