GOLD Coast remains confident out-of-contract co-captain Steven May will re-sign despite reports the key defender is being chased by a group of Victorian clubs led by Hawthorn.
Shortly after taking over from Gary Ablett as Suns captain alongside Tom Lynch in January, May said it was "a matter of when" he recommitted to the club.
Suns coach Rodney Eade told SEN on Thursday morning May was close to inking a new deal to extend his time at Metricon Stadium.
"Steven said publicly about four or five weeks ago it's just a matter of it getting done. He's had a few things off-field that he's searching through, working through, and we're giving him time on that," Eade said.
"So, from our point of view, we don't think it's too far away."
Asked whether May would "absolutely" stay at the Suns, Eade said: "Well that's what he's indicated to us."
May, 25, is a key part of the Suns' spine, standing the opposition's best key forward most weeks.
The 193cm Northern Territorian would appeal to any club looking for a tall backman, with the Hawks looking for someone to support James Frawley given veteran defender Josh Gibson is nearing the end of his career.
May has played 89 games since joining Gold Coast as a local talent access selection in 2010.