Why an unhappy Bomber could leave next year and the latest trade update on Saad, Higgins and more

Essendon is dealing with several players assessing their futures but they could have another issue to confront at the end of next season.

Sportsday newsbreaker Sam McClure reports that Bombers midfielder Zach Merrett is unhappy at the club and could look elsewhere at the end of 2021 once he’s eligible for free agency.

The 24-year-old played all bar one of Essendon’s games this year but was noticeably dumped from the leadership group at the start of the season.

McClure said the club and Merrett aren't "too enamoured with each other” and it could largely be because of the high-profile leadership change which was announced in February.

“He will stay (this year) but he’s not happy,” McClure said on Sportsday.

“I think (the leadership dispute) has got something to do with it, I don’t think the two parties are too enamoured with each other and I think he’ll go into next year out of contract and looking at other options."

McClure also had the latest on Essendon defender Adam Saad, who is poised to make a decision on his future in the coming days.

“He was going to tell Essendon by the end of this week,” he said.

“I think Carlton will go after Saad a little harder after they missed out on Jack Graham. I think it’s between Essendon and Carlton.”

In other trade news, McClure believes North Melbourne veteran Shaun Higgins will find another home in 2021 as the club continues its aggressive rebuild.

“He’s contracted for next year,” he said.

“I think the club has had many conversations over the course of the year, I don’t think he’ll be there next year.”

McClure added that he expects Essendon forward Joe Daniher to leave the club and head to Brisbane as a restricted free agent.