OUT-OF-CONTRACT Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch will return to Melbourne for the Suns' mid-season break as his future remains in limbo.

Nursing an injured knee, Lynch will head back to his native Victoria in the coming days to spend time with family and friends. 

The 25-year-old didn't travel to China with the rest of his teammates last week, continuing rehabilitation on his knee that worsened in the round six loss to Adelaide.

Lynch is not expected to meet with any potential suitors, instead heading bayside to celebrate his sister Bethany's 21st birthday around her commitments with Richmond's VFLW team.

The most sought-after free agent in this year's pool, Lynch will be hoping for a return against Geelong in the club's first match at Metricon Stadium this season in round 11. 

Lynch's visit will be his last trip to Melbourne before the Suns play against North Melbourne in round 16.

It is understood Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond have enquired about Lynch's services beyond this season. 

His partner has moved north this year to be by his side with the Suns hopeful they can create a strong environment to convince him to stay under new coach Stuart Dew. 

Suns chairman Tony Cochrane said earlier this month that there was no timeline pressure on Lynch's decision. 

"When you're dealing with someone who is as important to the club as Tom is, and we've got a lot of them, you don't hand out deadlines," Cochrane told Macquarie Sports Radio.

"I don't think that's the way to win friends and influence people.

"What we're trying to do is set up the right atmosphere and the right conditions by which Tom feels really compelled.

"We're putting such a compelling case forward that (hopefully) Tom feels absolutely compelled to stay.

"There's no deadlines involved here, we'll do whatever we have to do to retain Tom and fight very hard to retain him."