WHILE Richmond remains positive about Alex Rance's contract situation, there is still no timeframe on when - and if - he will sign on as a Tiger beyond 2015.
Speculation about the 25-year-old's future has ramped up again this week with more reports suggesting he could walk away from the game all together to pursue other interests.
But the Tigers have continued to talk with Rance's management about a contract extension and believe things are progressing well.
"We had another positive meeting today with Alex and his manager Tom Petroro," football manager Dan Richardson said on the club's website.
"While we are working towards a positive outcome for all parties, we are not in a position to put a timeline on when negotiations will be concluded.
"These discussions will continue to be on-going, and will remain between Alex, Tom, and the club."
The All-Australian defender is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
He has previously been linked to other clubs including Fremantle and the Brisbane Lions, but more recently talk has centered around whether he wants to play the game at all rather than for another club.
Just 10 days ago, coach Damien Hardwick said he was almost certain the 25-year-old would stay at Punt Road.
"I have no doubt Alex will remain in a Richmond jumper next year," Hardwick told Channel Seven.
"We think we're in a good situation with Alex at the moment, the way he's playing is an outstanding brand of football.
"He's playing well for our jumper, he's very happy where he is and I've got no doubts that he'll be here next year."