MIDFIELDER Bachar Houli has quit Essendon, with his management citing the lack of opportunities he was given this year as the key reason.

Houli was repeatedly overlooked by former Bombers coach Matthew Knights at the selection table during the 2010 season and played only five games, taking his career tally to 26.

Despite holding a lunchtime meeting with new coach James Hird on Thursday, the 22-year-old has now walked out on Essendon and is demanding to be traded to Richmond.

When asked on afl.com.au's Trade Week Radio if Houli would play for the Bombers again, Dan Richardson from his management team at Elite Sports Properties replied: "No.

"He wants an opportunity. Obviously Hirdy has come in now and said that things might change there, but I think the lack of opportunity during the year hurt him.

"To be honest, Richmond have been fairly forthright in their desire to get him across.

"They've said that they're keen for him to have a regular spot in their midfield and that certainly appeals to Bachar."

Negotiations between the Bombers and Tigers are underway, although a team remains a long way from completion.

"We're getting updates on where they're at," Richardson said.

"I understand that Richmond has offered a pick for Bachar and we'll just see how that plays out.

"Like all these situations in trade week there's a little of clubs wanting to get one-up on each other.

"But in the end, commonsense prevails most of the time. As long as there's an arrangement that's fair for both parties then I'm pretty confident a deal will happen."

If Richmond and Essendon don't come to an agreement then Houli will enter the NAB AFL Draft.