Essendon backman Jayden Laverde has reportedly gained external interest despite being contracted to the Bombers for the next 12 months.
The market for key defenders remains in high demand as clubs look to strengthen their rearguards with ready-made and experienced key position talent.
Laverde has played 131 games across 10 seasons with the Bombers, who drafted the Western Jets junior with Pick 20 a decade ago.
The 28-year-old played 21 games under Brad Scott this year - his fourth consecutive season of 19 or more appearances after going 10 or less in his previous six.
Used at either end of the field across his time in the red and black, Laverde has slotted into a permanent defensive role since 2021 to lead the club's last line alongside best and fairest winner Jordan Ridley.
Laverde and Ridley make up half of Scott's experienced key defensive unit, with 2023 recruit Ben McKay and former top 10 draft selection Zach Reid also featuring at AFL level this year. Ex-Demon Sam Weideman made his first appearance in Round 24 and faces an uncertain future, while the luckless Kaine Baldwin was delisted this week.
While having a deal with the club for 2025, Laverde is said to have clubs circling his signature this year, per News Corp.
The publication's report suggests that Laverde is a required player at Essendon but is not short on suitors who view the 193cm stopper as a potential target.
Those same clubs could also have interest in other experienced defenders who are unsigned for next year, a crop that includes Demon veteran Adam Tomlinson or GWS tall Nick Haynes, however the latter has been strongly linked to Carlton.
Adelaide's James Borlase, young Hawk Denver Grainger-Barras and Bulldogs swingman Buku Khamis are younger defensive options for clubs to consider.
Following a busy trade and free agency window last year, the Bombers don't look as busy 12 months on and will likely place most of their attention to the draft, where they hold Pick 8 and also have access to likely first-round selection Isaac Kako as a Next Generation Academy member.
After delisting Baldwin, Nick Hind and Tex Wanganeen this week, as well as bidding farewell to retired ex-captain Dyson Heppell, the Bombers are expected to make a number of contract calls over the coming month.
Weideman, Jake Stringer, Matt Guelfi, Todd Goldstein, Will Setterfield and Alwyn Davey are among the Dons players who have entered the off-season without deals for next year.