7NEWS journalist Mark Stevens reports that the Essendon have increased their offer to a five-year deal for star defender Adam Saad.

Saad is reportedly "split down the middle" on deciding his future as a number of rival clubs circle.

The 26-yer-old is hoping to better understand the direction the Bombers are heading despite the club upping their offer to a five-year deal.

Speaking on the Fox Footy Podcast, reporter Tom Morris believes Saad is no closer to a deal with the Bombers, while Carlton, North Melbourne and Melbourne continue their pursuit.

โ€œThe varying reports are really interesting because my firm understanding is not even Adam Saad knows what heโ€™s doing next year,โ€ he said.

โ€œHeโ€™s split down the middle, heโ€™s wrestling with his emotions and his future and doesnโ€™t know what way heโ€™s going to decide.

"Itโ€™s not necessarily about the money, itโ€™s about the direction of the club. All he wants are answers and probably a plan of attack that will see Essendon compete again.โ€