SYDNEY Swans gun midfielder Tom Mitchell's contract negotiations have been put on hold until the end of the season.

AFL.com.au reported in late June that a new deal had almost been reached but could not be finalised during the Swans' round 14 bye, and that contract talks had been put on hold for at least a month.

Swans football manager Tom Harley told 3AW on Saturday discussions would not resume in the near future.

"It was probably a month ago now, that (Mitchell's manager) Phil Mullen and I agreed to just hold off until the end of the season, so Tom could focus on his football," Harley said.

The 23-year-old is averaging 28 disposals per match this season.

Meanwhile, the Swans appear likely to try and boost their ageing defence in this year's trade period.

One player who they could target is out-of-contract Melbourne defender Tom McDonald, who told AFL.com.au in June that he's in no rush to re-sign with the club.

But Harley has denied having spoken to the 23-year-old.

"No (we haven't spoke to him) and to be fair he's probably out of our price range, I would have thought," Harley said.

Suspended Swans defender Michael Talia is continuing his rehabilitation from a foot injury away from the club after being stood down for being arrested and charged with being in possession of a quantity of a prohibited substance.

"The leadership group hasn't been consulted beyond the initial fact finding on the Monday morning," Harley said.

"Michael's certainly aware the leaders will convene at some stage, early next week, I'd suggest on the Monday, to pick up the conversation."

Talia partially tore the Lisfranc ligament in a foot while making his Swans debut against Collingwood in round one, and also suffered bone displacement.