AN EXTRA season is the main sticking point in star free agent Jeremy McGovern's negotiations with West Coast, with the key defender seeking a six-year deal and the club offering five.

McGovern told Perth radio station Hit 92.9 on Thursday he was "probably" going to put talks on hold with the Eagles until the end of the year.

The defender said in March he was seeking the security of a long-term deal, while it was reported around the same time that one Victorian club had offered him a six-year deal worth about $7 million.

West Coast has offered McGovern a five-year deal worth about $5 million, but has been reluctant to offer a sixth year for the dual All Australian, who would turn 32 in the final year of such a contract.

McGovern and his manager, Colin Young, were due to meet with West Coast officials this week, but the parties now find themselves at a stalemate.

Young said in March McGovern "does love the coach, does love the players, does love the club", and there is a quiet confidence at West Coast that the defender will ultimately re-sign.

However, Young also said there was more than one Victorian club in the market for his client.

The Eagles' cross-town rival, Fremantle, also has its hat in the ring for the key defender.

Given McGovern is a restricted free agent, West Coast has the right to match any offer tabled by a rival club when this year's free agency period opens in October.

However, McGovern's announcement on Thursday will ensure a nervous few months for West Coast's list management team.

In the past, stars such as Gary Ablett (in 2010), Tom Scully (2011), Lance Franklin (2012) and Jeremy Howe (2015) all postponed contract talks with their clubs until the end of the season before departing for new homes.

However, some players delay talks and stay. Last year, Dustin Martin and Jason Johannisen postponed contract talks until the end of the year before re-signing with Richmond and the Western Bulldogs respectively.

The Eagles have four other players eligible for free agency this year: Andrew Gaff (restricted), Mark LeCras, Scott Lycett (restricted) and Eric Mackenzie.