JAYDEN Laverde looks set to stay at Essendon, with the former top-20 pick edging towards a new deal with the club.
Laverde, who kicked three goals in the Bombers' final-round win over Port Adelaide, is out of contract but is believed to be getting closer to a two-year extension.
It would tie him to the Bombers until the end of 2020.
Laverde has been struck by injury throughout his four-year career in the AFL, with hamstring troubles restricting him to just seven senior appearances this season.
He was heavily pursued at the end of 2016 when he last fell out of contract, with St Kilda leading the charge, and he has again attracted interest this year.
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The Bombers are yet to lock away a number of their players for next year.
Improved forward Shaun McKernan, who has been on one-year deals in his four seasons at Essendon, is likely to be rewarded for his strong season in attack with a two-year contract and an upgrading to the senior list.
The parties are close to agreeing to terms for an extension for the former Crow, having started negotiations further apart.
Discussions over James Stewart's contract have been ongoing throughout the season, but the club is understood to have recently settled on the terms for a deal expected to run until the end of 2020.
Talks are also underway for Michael Hartley to extend his stay at Essendon, with the backman considered more likely to remain.
Forward Mitch Brown, defender Matt Dea, small goalkicker Josh Green, rookie Ben McNiece and midfielder Jake Long are among the club's out of contract players.
Matthew Leuenberger's three-year deal at Essendon has come to an end after he crossed from the Brisbane Lions.
The ruckman managed only two senior appearances this season, including in the final game against Port Adelaide when he injured his calf, but there has been no movement on a contract for next year and the 30-year-old is a chance to retire.
The Bombers are hoping to again be busy during this year's trade period, with Greater Western Sydney pair Dylan Shiel and Will Setterfield in their sights, so list spots may be tight for players on the fringe.
The club has already made two list changes, with veteran Brendon Goddard and forward Jackson Merrett informed they wouldn't be offered new deals for 2019.
