Essendon are keeping an eye on star forward Harry McKay's contract talks with Carlton, keen to lure the Coleman Medallist to Tullamarine, per reports from the Herald Sun.
McKay is contracted to Carlton until the conclusion of the 2023 season and is reportedly in preliminary contract talks to remain at Ikon Park for the long-term, yet several clubs are keen to snag the services of the gun forward.
The in-form Blue kicked 45 goals this season, playing 19 games and averaging 11.4 disposals and 6 marks.
While the Bombers were also reportedly interested in teammate Charlie Curnow prior to his re-signing, they have turned their attention towards McKay, with North Melbourne also keeping an eye on the situation.
Both clubs have the funds needed to lure the big name away from the Blues, though the Herald Sun reports that Carlton are confident they'll be able to retain their forward gun.
Fellow forward Curnow signed a massive long-term contract earlier in the year, tying him to the Blues until the end of the 2029 season, reportedly turning down big deals from rival clubs to remain in navy Blue.
The Bombers struggled for much of the 2022 season, finishing the year in 15th place with just seven wins on the board. The search continues for their next coach following the sacking of Ben Rutten last month, disrupting their off-season plans.
North Melbourne however, have recently signed Alastair Clarkson to a multi-year deal, sweetening the allure of a move to Arden Street.
McKay's current contract runs through to the conclusion of 2023, though the Blues are reportedly confident he will sign a new deal, akin to that of Curnow, prior to the first bounce of the 2023 season.
