ESSENDON has confirmed its interest in Gold Coast's Jack Martin, but believes he is unlikely to leave the Suns this year.   

Martin, 23, is contracted for another year and the Suns have been on record declaring their intention to extend his current deal.   

However, the Bombers threw more fuel on the fire on Friday by openly stating they'd like to add Martin to their midfield despite the Suns' staunch stance.   

"The interest is there, but that said, he is contracted," Essendon football manager Dan Richardson told SEN. 

"I'd be surprised if a club like the Gold Coast, who are obviously under a bit of pressure to retain players at the moment, I'd imagine he'd still continue to play at Gold Coast next year. 

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"There's some interest there from us and it's been well documented that we're interested into bolstering our midfield, so I guess he fits that category. 

"But that said, I'd surprised if he leaves the Gold Coast." 

The Suns declared as recently as Thursday that Martin was off the table.   

"Our position on Jack is we won't be trading him," Gold Coast list manager Craig Cameron told NAB AFL Trade Radio.   

"We understand the interest, but I can't see it happening."