RESTRICTED free agent Jeremy McGovern has delayed contract talks with West Coast until the end of the season.

In a move certain to raise concerns amongst Eagles supporters, McGovern has decided to put negotiations on hold to concentrate on football.

The star intercept defender is out of contract at the end of 2018 and reportedly being targeted by several Melbourne-based clubs.

McGovern sat down with manager Colin Young this week to weigh up how to proceed in negotiations.

The 26-year-old has been seeking a long-term contract in the range of five or six seasons, believing the next extension could be the last he signs.

"I'm probably going to put it on hold I think until the end of the year. I've spoken to my manager about it," McGovern told Perth radio station 92.9.

"It's just easier for everyone I think rather than a bloody running commentary every week.

"I'm loving my footy and enjoying it with the boys, so we'll reassess it through the bye and then at the end of the year we'll probably look at it.

"Put it back to then, everybody can just get over it and let me play footy."

West Coast has three key restricted free agents to re-sign this year, including star Victorian wingman Andrew Gaff and impressive South Australian big man Scott Lycett.

Gaff has indicated he is unlikely to make a decision on his future before June.

While that trio of important Eagles remain in limbo, West Coast has moved quickly to shore up a number of emerging youngsters.

Willie Rioli (22 years old), Liam Duggan, Liam Ryan and Francis Watson (all aged 21), plus teenagers Jake Waterman, Oscar Allen, Jack Petruccelle and Brayden Ainsworth have all re-signed recently.

Former Geelong big man Nathan Vardy and ex-Lions midfielder Jack Redden have also put pen to paper on fresh deals.