Married men can you answer this question?

As a married man the only woman you should have that kind of relationship with is your wife!

🤷🏻‍♀️ Depends on how often, but also if they were legit really good friends or if this is a mostly imagined friendship meaning very little has actually happened to justify his interest in her. Also how regularly are they in communication?

Sort of both. Hard lesson learned, you will rarely have a more deeply relationship with someone if you both do not work at and become friends first. At least something real and lasting.
I genuinely love my female friends and yes, at a time or so there may be the almost inevitable flirt or lustful thoughts towards something neither would follow through on. Often times not out of respect for each others partner. Will admit, I loved that sexual tension if I were to be honest, but I am fortunate to have developed a trust with my wife now that it would never lead to anything really happening physical with anyone else. Does the fact non-sexual is not an option make the feeling for her less deep or important?

Something more is going on.

Depending upon the individual person and situation.

I have lots of really good female friends who some i think of as family.
They're some i no longer see or lost contact with so yes i could miss the happy times we spent together as friends not always more .

If you're married you should be faithful though I understand the temptation. I do think it possible to feel deeply without falling in love though

It could be either honestly. I would hope you know where you stand with him. And would hope he would be honest with you.

I do have a close friend like that but i also would like more with her i do care deeply

That’s emotional clearing.