Gold Coast's Adam Saad is exploring a return to Melbourne and Essendon and Carlton are currently the front runners to sign the 23-year-old, according to the Herald Sun.
Saad is said to be considering a move back home to Victoria due to family and religious ties and the Suns are reportedly understanding of this.
But The Herald Sun reports the Blues or Bombers would have to satisfy the Suns with a second round draft pick to secure Saad, who has a year to run on his contract.
Carlton football manager Andrew McKay confirmed the Blues' interest on AFL Trade Radio on Monday.
“Obviously we would be interested in talking,”
“But he has got to make up his mind to be really sure he wants to come home to Melbourne.”
As it stands, Essendon's second round pick is No.28 in the draft, while Carlton does not currently hold a second round selection.
The Blues look set to be very active this trade period, with the club linked with GWS pair Matthew Kennedy and Devon Smith, as well as Brisbane's Tom Rockliff.
Meanwhile, Essendon is one of the front runners for Bulldog Jake Stringer.