Hawthorn are reportedly expressing interest in Essendon midfielder Kyle Langford in 2022.
Langford is currently unsigned past the cessation of this season, having last signed a new contract with the Bombers in 2020.
The 25-year-old has played 99 games in the red and black, first making his debut in 2015 after joining the Tullamarine club as 17th overall National Draft selection the year prior.
Langford is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, having required surgery on the ailment following Essendon's Round 1 defeat to Geelong.
The midfield-forward utility's immediate playing future isn't the only intriguing aspect that surrounds Langford, withย 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary reporting that cross-town rivals Hawthorn have set their sights on the Bombers free agent.
"Kyle Langford enters free agency this year," Cleary said on Wednesday night.
"While he is happy at the Bombers, Hawthorn have set its sights on the 25-year-old, to target a gap in their age demographic."
Ben Rutten needs to give his players more freedom according to Hawks premiership great Luke Hodge. While Bombers star Andrew McGrath has put the heat on the midfielders to avoid another wasted season. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @7AFL #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/rIQnQ1Iau7
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) May 4, 2022
Langford is among several key names currently unsigned at Essendon, with fellow midfielder Andrew McGrath understood to have put contract talks on hold until later in the year.
Contracted onballer Dylan Shiel is also understood to have gained some level of interest from one rival club, while young trio Nik Cox, Archie Perkins and Zach Reid are the only top 10 selections from the 2020 National Draft yet to be re-signed past this year.
Joining Langford as free agents in 2022 are captain Dyson Heppell, veteran defender Michael Hurley and forward Alec Waterman.
Langford is expected to remain sidelined with his current hamstring issue until after the club's bye.
