Essendon star Adam Saad is prepared to go to the draft to depart the club, reports SEN's Sam Edmund.
The dashing defender informed the Bombers on Tuesday that he wants to be traded to the Blues in the upcoming November window after reportedly agreeing to a five-year deal with Carlton worth $650,000 a season.
As Saad is not eligible for free agency, he has to be traded to be acquired by a rival club.
The speedster could follow in the footsteps of Jack Martin 12 months ago, who joined the Blues in the pre-season draft after a deal could not be reached with the Gold Coast Suns.
Edmund reports that the Blues are willing to part with Pick 7 in a deal for Saad, but the Bombers could seek more.
Bombers list boss Adrian Dodoro said the club will seek "compelling compensation" for Saad.
“Although we wish Adam all the best, he is not a free agent and therefore a suitable trade will need to be forthcoming from Carlton," he told the club website.
"Clearly, there is an expectation of compelling compensation for a player of Adam’s calibre.
“We will remain in contact with Adam’s management over the course of the upcoming AFL trade period."
Saad averaged 18.9 disposals and 4.5 rebound 50s from 17 games in 2020 to finish top three in Essendon’s best and fairest for the second year running.
Star forward Joe Daniher yesterday followed Saad in confirming his intentions to depart the Bombers in free agency to join Brisbane.