ESSENDON says it will offer Michael Hurley a long-term contract extension to tie him to the club beyond 2017.

Hurley is contracted with the Bombers for 2017 but has yet to confirm whether he will return to the club next year once the WADA suspensions are lifted.

He is one of six banned Bombers still undecided on returning to club, along with Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton, Michael Hibberd, Tayte Pears and Ben Howlett. 

The club has been in regular contact with Hurley's management this year regarding his long-term future.

Hurley has headed overseas on holiday with Hibberd, Cale Hooker and Tom Bellchambers.

Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell announced on Wednesday night on essendonfc.com.au that the club would offer Hurley a long-term deal on his return from holiday.

"Michael is a great young man with tremendous football talent," Campbell said.

"He's highly respected in the club and is a leader within the playing group. 

"We want him to come to the conclusion he wants to be at Essendon and I hope and believe he will come to that conclusion. 

"We respect that Michael is going through a process and we will give him the time and space he needs to make that decision.  

"He has a year to run on his contract and we have been speaking to Michael and his management for some time about a long-term contract extension, which we believe illustrates the value he brings to our club."

Former teammate Paul Chapman said last month that he felt Hurley would stay at the Bombers because of his loyalty to the club despite all that has happened.

There are 17 players outside of the banned Bombers who are out of contract at the end of the season, including current skipper Brendon Goddard.