Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell has met with departing Western Bulldogs star Jake Stringer

JAKE Stringer has met with Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell — but will pick 11 get the deal done? SAM LANDSBERGER on the latest with the Bulldog.

JAKE Stringer has met with Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell as the Bombers ramp up their pursuit of the gamebreaking Western Bulldogs star.

Essendon confirmed to the Herald Sun that Campbell caught up with Stringer face-to-face last Wednesday.

LUKE BEVERIDGE: JAKE DECISION WAS MUTUAL

GAZZA TRADE: WHAT THE SUNS WANT FOR CHAMP

DEVON SMITH: VIC CLUBS LINE UP

Stringer, 23, has also spoken to Essendon coach John Worsfold and list manager Adrian Dodoro.

It is not the first time Campbell has arranged to meet a prospective Essendon player. Last year he sat in on the club’s final meeting with No.1 pick contender Hugh McCluggage.

Stringer appears almost certain to play for either Geelong or Essendon next season after he was placed on the trade table by Dogs coach Luke Beveridge.

He has also met with at least one other Victorian club, but will not be pursued by Collingwood.

The Bombers hold pick 11 in this year’s draft, while Geelong’s first selection is No.20.

Industry sources indicated Stringer was probably worth somewhere in between those selections and that the Bombers would be reluctant to release their first pick without receiving a later one in return.

Essendon can offer Stringer better financial terms, while the Cats’ stronger player leadership appeals.

The Bombers would likely offer Stringer around $600,000 per season, which could be close to $150,000 more than Geelong.

The inflated pay packet is Essendon’s ace in its hunt for Stringer, where he would join a potent attack alongside Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker and Orazio Fantasia.

Jake Stringer will find a new home in coming weeks. Pic: Michael Klein

Stringer’s ability to play midfield bursts would also aid a weakness at Essendon.

The Bombers declined to elaborate on the meeting.

It is understood Stringer and Campbell both walked away happy and the Dons are still heavily courting the 2015 All-Australian and 2016 premiership star.

Despite last using a first-round selection in 2014, the AFL has confirmed the Cats will again be allowed to trade away their future first-rounder.

But there are likely to be minimal early 2018 picks traded next month, given how bullish recruiters are about next year’s talent pool.

The Cats could also receive compensation selections as well as free up salary cap space should free agents Daniel Menzel and Steven Motlop depart.

Motlop has long been linked to Port Adelaide, while Menzel has only been tabled a one-year contract and was left out of the qualifying final side.

The futures of Steven Motlop and Daniel Menzel remain unknown. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Stringer is expected to be one of several players to move clubs under contract when trade period begins on Monday, October 9.

The young father-of-two won the Bulldogs’ goalkicking award for the third consecutive season, sharing this year’s gong with veteran Liam Picken.

Last week Stringer said he was blindsided by Beveridge’s wish to cut ties.

“I’d be lying if I sat here and said I’d done everything right,” the No.5 draft pick said.

“But I took a phone call from (my manager) that let me know the club was putting me up for trade and I was in shock.

“I love the boys and I love the club”.

While Stringer has had unprofessional tendencies, he remains a much-loved figure to many at Whitten Oval and a favourite with supporters.

Beveridge said this month that the Dogs would only trade Stringer for the right price, but he appears to have almost certainly played his last game for the club.

Originally published as Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell has met with departing Western Bulldogs star Jake Stringer