Bombers have "close eye" on situation surrounding Blues forward Harry Mckay

Essendon are understood to be "keeping a close eye" on the situation surrounding Carlton key-forward Harry McKay.

The Bombers have previously been linked to the Coleman Medal leader and SEN's Sam Edmund reports that Essendon could be ready to make a play for the 23-year-old.

Edmund revealed that the Bombers are one of several sides with McKay in their radar.

“Essendon came hard last year when the Adam Saad move was in full swing,” Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.

“The Bombers are one of a number of clubs that have reached out. They’re very much keeping a close eye on things when it comes to Harry McKay.”

While the Bombers' interest is persistent, there is good news for Carlton and their faithful, with Edmund stating McKay is "highly likely" to remain at Ikon Park.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Harry McKay of the Blues celebrates a goal during the round 18 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

“Harry McKay has been really relaxed about it and there’s no conversations with other clubs at the moment, he’s highly likely to stay put," Edmund said.

Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes urged the Bombers to consider not only looking to pry McKay to Tullamarine, but to also seek out the signature of his brother, Ben.

Speaking on Footy Classified, Cornes reflected on his playing days alongside his brother, Chad and that Harry might see some appeal in playing with Ben in a double swoop for the Bombers.

“What about Essendon make a pitch to these two to play for the next 10 years together? I played with my brother (Chad Cornes), I played with him for 11 years and it’s something that I will absolutely treasure forever,” Cornes said

“I think the Bombers need to go as hard as they possibly can and shore up both ends of the ground,” he said.

“Ben’s played in three wins, why would you want to stay at North Melbourne? Harry’s played in 17 wins in five seasons at Carlton.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Ben McKay competes for the ball during a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL training session at Arden Street Ground on March 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

“Go and join the group that’s on the rise, the group that’s the most exciting in the competition and shore up each end.”

Collingwood are also understood to be showing interest in the Blues spearhead as the Blues look to lock away McKay and captain Patrick Cripps.

Cripps has also been dealing with the Blues surrounding his future in past weeks, with The Herald Sun reporting that the gun midfielder was nearing a new four-year deal last month.

An official announcement is yet to be made by the club, but reports suggest Carlton and Cripps will formally announce an extension before season's end.