The Western Bulldogs have ruled out a trade deal for Josh Dunkley after becomingย aware of Essendonโ€™s interest.

It is understood that the Bombers' offer is quite substantial and would see him locked in for at least four seasons, per Fox Footy's Tom Morris.

The Bulldogs would look to reject any offer for their star midfielder despite Essendon impressive draft hand and open salary.

Dunkley struggled with a syndesmosis injury this season, limiting him to just 12 games.

In 2019 Dunkley finished second in the Charles Sutton Medal and was named in the All-Australian squad of 40.

The star midfielder is contracted until the end of the 2022 season.