EMERGING midfielder Tom Mitchell has opened formal contract talks with the Sydney Swans.

Mitchell, 22, is due to come out of contract at the end of this season, but his manager, Phil Mullen, met with the Swans on Monday and began preliminary discussions.

The Victorian was linked to Carlton in the 2014 trade period, but AFL.com.au understands he is happy living in Sydney and wants to stay at the Swans.

The Swans' negotiations with Mitchell, who was one of the AFL's most improved players in 2015, are expected to ramp up next month.

Midway through last season, the Swans faced the prospect of having four of their best midfielders come out of contract at the end of this year.

The club has already largely defused that risk, re-signing Dan Hannebery last June and Luke Parker in January, both on five-year deals, while Kieren Jack said last week he is close to signing a new long-term deal.

Mitchell bounced back from an injury-plagued 2014, when he played just six senior games, to produce an outstanding 2015 season.

Forced to wait until round five for a senior recall, Mitchell went on to average 27 possessions in 19 games, dropping below 22 disposals in just three of those matches.

Mitchell does his best work at stoppages, particularly by hand, giving the Swans one of the best inside midfield groups in the competition.

Playing alongside fellow stoppage specialists Josh Kennedy, Hannebery, Parker and Jack, Mitchell finished third at the Swans for centre clearances last season and fourth for overall clearances.

Mitchell was one of the Swans' best players in this year's NAB Challenge, playing all three games and averaging nearly 27 possessions.