WEST Coast will turn its attention to re-signing premiership forward Jack Darling once it finalises a three-year deal for ruckman Nic Naitanui.

Darling's current three-year deal doesn't expire until the end of next season, but AFL.com.au understands both parties are keen to come to a new agreement soon.

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It is believed the 27-year-old wants to sign with the Eagles for the long term despite reported interest from the Western Bulldogs, who are in great need of an experienced focal point.

West Coast has presented a three-year offer to Naitanui, who could return as early as next weekend from his second knee reconstruction.

The early discussion about a contract renewal for Darling may be linked to one of the AFL's newest trends, where 'pre-agents' – players one year off being free agents – become trade targets.

Dylan Shiel, Lachie Neale, Steven May and Chad Wingard joined new clubs in last year's NAB AFL Trade Period, but all of them would have otherwise been free agents at the end of 2019.

Darling was arguably the game's most in-form player in the first half of last season, averaging 2.5 goals and 2.8 contested marks until an ankle injury sidelined him for five weeks.

He recovered in time to perform a major role in the Eagles' stretch run and eventual premiership triumph, dominating the second half of the Grand Final with his strong marking.

Darling has again proven his worth this year, kicking 26 goals from 12 games to sit equal-fifth with Tiger Tom Lynch in the Coleman Medal race entering round 13.

West Coast has already re-signed flag heroes Shannon Hurn, Josh Kennedy, Dom Sheed and Willie Rioli this year, as well as gun defender Brad Sheppard and emerging pair Josh Rotham and Harry Edwards.

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