Carlton have upped the ante in their latest contract offer to Essendon defender Adam Saad, with the club reportedly offering a car as part of the their latest contract deal.

The Blues have shown their interest in the pacey half-back, and have now increased their bargaining following Essendon's move to offer their star defender a five-year deal earlier this week.

According to Triple M's Tom Browne, Carlton chairman Mark LoGiudice has personally contacted Saad, with the club offering a car as part of their latest deal.

"Iโ€™m told by a pretty good source this morningโ€ฆ they (Carlton) have increased their offer in recent days," Browne said.

"The chairman, Mark LoGiudice, Iโ€™m told has calledย โ€” personallyย โ€” Saad.

"The club โ€” this is obviously within the TPP (Total Player Payments), theyโ€™d get it approved โ€” has also offered Saad, Iโ€™m told, a car, which is quite persuasive in terms of the offer.

"So the good old fashioned car offer, Iโ€™m told, is being weighed up as well."

While Essendon are hopeful of retaining Saad, North Melbourne and Melbourne join Carlton in pursuing the defender.