Blow to Bombers: Adam Saad is seeking a trade to Carlton

Essendon defender Adam Saad has told the club he wishes to be traded to Carlton.

Sources confirmed that he wanted to cross to Carlton on a five-year deal.

The Blues made a strong pitch based on the position of their list and having already landed Zac Williams from Greater Western Sydney, who is set to join the Blues on a long-term deal of at least five years.

Essendon had offered Saad a four-year deal on what sources said was close to $600,000 a year, having increased their offer.

Key Carlton football officials were well placed to present to Saad based on their experience with Richmond star and Saad's mentor Bachar Houli. Blues football boss Brad Lloyd used to manage Houli when he was a player manager while list manager Nick Austin knew Houli from his days in recruiting at the Tigers.

It is a significant blow for the Bombers, who also face the prospect of losing Joe Daniher to free agency.

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