ESSENDON has denied reports the club has offered John Worsfold a five-year coaching contract.

Ex-St Kilda player Nathan Burke told Fox Sports on Wednesday he believed the Bombers had presented the West Coast premiership coach with a long-term contract, worth "very good money".

Burke also said there was a belief the recruitment process was already compromised, with the club's selection committee unaware of the in-person approach chairman Paul Little and key Bombers made to Worsfold last week.  

On Wednesday the club moved to dispel suggestions a replacement for James Hird had already been chosen, and predicted an announcement in October.

"We have met and had positive discussions with a number of high quality candidates and we continue to do so," CEO Xavier Campbell told the club's website.

"We said from the outset that in order to respect the confidentiality and integrity of the selection process we wouldn't provide a running commentary, but the sub-committee felt it was necessary to provide an update in light of ongoing media speculation which is incorrect and misinformed.

"There has been no offer tabled, informally or formally, to any candidate for the senior coaching position at the club.

"We are currently midway through the process and the sub-committee firmly believe we have a number of quality candidates that could coach the Essendon Football Club. 

"We will take the appropriate time necessary to make sure we select the best person to coach the club next season and beyond."

Little, Campbell, Jobe Watson and Dyson Heppell reportedly flew to Adelaide in Little's private plane last week to meet with Worsfold, who took on the role of Crows coaching director in July after Phil Walsh's sudden death.

Campbell has since admitted it was the wrong decision given the Crows were in the process of preparing for their elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.

He apologised to Adelaide CEO Andrew Fagan for the approach last week.