A SECOND Essendon player could depart the besieged club as Carlton and Fremantle zero in on unsigned midfielder Ben Howlett.

The hard-nut is set to follow ruckman Paddy Ryder out the door if the club cannot improve its contract offer to Howlett this week.

NO DEAL: PORT WON’T GIVE UP STAR FOR RYDER

The future of Geelong speedster Travis Varcoe is also unclear, with West Coast showing some interest in the premiership wingman.

Varcoe is contracted for another season, but Geelong would consider a trade for the 26-year-old in the exchange period, starting today.

Howlett, 25, met with Essendon coach James Hird at the weekend to help solve the impasse on his contract negotiations.

Hird’s own position hangs in the balance ahead of a crucial board meeting today.

It is understood Howlett will be more inclined to stay and resist a lucrative advance from the Blues if Hird remains at Essendon.

Howlett ranked No. 1 for tackles and sixth for clearances at the club this season and was seen as a likely addition to the club’s leadership group next year.

Ryder’s likely move to Port Adelaide would clear up some salary cap space at Tullamarine, but the Bombers will also need to find a replacement ruckman.

Greater Western Sydney big man Jon Giles is one of the tall options the Bombers will consider if the Power can successfully secure a trade for Ryder.

Howlett was taken with pick No. 30 in the 2010 rookie draft but has remained a regular senior since then, managing 97 games in the past five seasons.

Howlett finished fifth in the 2012 best and fairest.

But Carlton is on the hunt for another contested ball-winner to help shoulder the onball load on superstars Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs, after missing out on Swan Tom Mitchell.

Carlton coach Michael Malthouse also wants to develop the team’s on-field leadership stocks and Howlett’s aggression and defensive nous would be a handy addition to the rebuilding Blues.

Fremantle has also flagged an interest in the West Australian, but Howlett would prefer to continue his career in Melbourne.