Unestablished Bombers ruckman Sam Draper is in the middle of a contract tug-of-war between Essendon and St Kilda, as the Saints continue their pursuit for the soccer convert.
Following the Saints' $1.8 million four-year deal, the asking price for Draper (who is yet to play a senior game) has increased as trade talks progress.
Draper has been offered a $250,000 salary to stay at Windy Hill, with the Herald Sun's Jay Clark and Jon Ralph believing the Bombers could ask for a second-round pick if the Saints come knocking.
Both clubs believe the 20-year-old holds a future as a no.1 ruckman, with Essendon's height stocks falling with injury, but St Kilda may be reluctant to give up a selection within the first two or three rounds, given his lack of experience at senior level.
The Saints' pursuit for Draper follows ongoing concussion concerns with second and third string ruckmen Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce, as the club looks to find a partner for emerging big man Rowan Marshall.
