Essendon have approached Collingwood about a possible trade for Mason Cox.

The Bombers have sounded out Collingwood about the contracted forward and ruck, who would shape as a positional replacement in the event that they accede to Joe Daniher's request for a trade to Sydney.

Talks are at an early stage but discussions have centred on a deal for a future draft pick for the former American college basketballer. The clubs remain a distance apart on trade terms.

Cox is in Sydney and is returning home to Texas for a holiday on Thursday morning. If Essendon want to do a medical it will have to be done on Wednesday either in Melbourne or Sydney.