ESSENDON is close to re-signing star midfielder Brent Stanton, according to chief executive Ian Robson.

The Bombers are in talks with Elite Sports Properties about Stanton, who is a restricted free agent because of his nine years' service at Windy Hill.

"'Stants' knows that from our perspective we want his future to be at the club," Robson told the Herald Sun.

"We want him to be a one-club player and a premiership player for our club, and I am sure things will be worked out pretty soon.

"In this instance with ESP [through agents Adam Ramanauskas and Dan Richardson], we all established right from the outset we want to do this deal."

Stanton is now 26. A three-year deal would take him to 12 years of service, and most likely ensure he'd remain an Essendon player for his entire career.

The Bombers have secured the signings of star big men Michael Hurley and Paddy Ryder, but still have 15 players out of contract.

Angus Monfries, Leroy Jetta, Sam Lonergan, Alwyn Davey, David Myers, Ricky Dyson and Ben Howlett are among those yet to re-sign.

Veterans such as Dustin Fletcher, Mark McVeigh and David Hille are likely to have their careers decided at the end of the season.

The Bombers have some money for the free agency market but Robson said their priority is to re-sign its established players.