AMERICAN ruckman Mason Cox is staying at Collingwood.

The 26-year-old import from Oklahoma State University's basketball team has signed a contract extension that will keep him a Magpie until the end of 2020. 

The 211cm big man has played second ruck behind Brodie Grundy this season, making just nine appearances in the senior side.

List manager Derek Hine hopes Cox and Grundy can form a strong ruck combination for many years to come.

"We're thrilled that we have two outstanding ruckman in our future," Hine told the club's website

"The combination of Brodie and Mason is something that we are all looking forward to seeing develop.

Cox's re-signing follows comments from North Melbourne coach Brad Scott on Sunday that Cox was on the Kangaroos' radar.

North remains hopeful of luring out-of-contract Giant Josh Kelly to Arden Street.

Cox had also been linked to other Victorian clubs, including Richmond and Hawthorn, while the Brisbane Lions were also rumoured to be interested. 

Originally from Texas, Cox burst on to the scene on Anzac Day in 2016, having not ever touched a Sherrin just two years earlier.