OUT OF contract Gold Coast captain Steven May concedes he has "a lot to weigh up" in considering his future, and expects negotiations to progress in the next month.
May is at the centre of speculation he could be off to a Melbourne club at season's end, but indicated he was happy with Gold Coast.
The 25-year-old has held his line since the pre-season, saying he would not rush a decision, and did so again on Tuesday.
He said the looming conclusion to the prolonged Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations was a "little factor".
"I think anyone coming out of contract has a lot to weigh up because you commit your future to the footy club," May said.
"I wouldn't say I've been hesitant, it's just been a plan of action for 18 months.
"My previous contracts have always been a well thought about process.
"I don't know the timeframe but I wouldn't say it would be the end of the season.
"I'm sure in the next month or so my manager and the club will be in talks for sure."
Alongside Alex Rance, May is arguably one of the best key defenders in the competition and a cornerstone of the Suns' future plans.
He is in his first season as co-captain alongside Tom Lynch, and said being part of a consistent team that had the competition's respect was important to him.
May said he had focused on the new role more than his contract status.
"I know we can look at it and think maybe I should lock away a deal earlier, but I just feel like I have (other) priorities in front of me," he said.
"I didn't have a great start to the season, so I'm just trying to be the best player and leader I can be.
"My job as a captain is to make sure the boys are performing and clearly we haven't been doing well this year."
Gold Coast is preparing to play Melbourne in Alice Springs on Saturday, fresh off the bye following its horrible loss to Port Adelaide in China.
To commemorate Indigenous Round, May – the competition's only indigenous captain – will wear the No.67, to mark the year (1967) in which a referendum was passed to include Aboriginies as part of the Census.
Co-captain Lynch will wear the No.50 to mark the 50-year anniversary.
