Daniher was spotted walking into the house of Sydney CEO Tom Harley in the leafy suburb of Balmain in August, sending trade speculation into overdrive.

Sources at the Swans have confirmed to The Age that Sydney’s targeting of Daniher has been months in the making, driven by coach John Longmire, who is one of Daniher’s biggest fans.

Despite that, Essendon has refused to acknowledge the attempted poaching of their best-and-fairest and All-Australian full-forward.

“No, I’m not aware of interest, but I’m aware of where Joe sits at the moment and I’m comfortable with where the discussions with Joe sit at this time.

“Whether they are (trying to get Daniher) or not, that’s something I haven’t got control over, I just know where Joe sits. I trust Joe, we trust Joe about the rational at the time he’s taking at the moment to understand where he sits on things.”

While Campbell said he “would love” and “probably expect” Daniher to be playing at Essendon next year, he also conceded the star forward has not been offered a contract extension beyond 2020.

Worsfold weighed in, saying the club “don’t guess”, a passing swipe at the reporting of Sydney’s interest by the media.

“We just deal with the facts. Joe’s a contracted player, we want him playing at the Essendon footy club next year and nothing else has happened.”