GOLD Coast leader Tom Lynch is on the verge of inking a new deal with the Suns.
Lynch, 23, is out of contract at season's end but confirmed on Monday morning he was close to finalising his long-term future with the club.
"My manager is working with the club at the moment and they'll work through that. I don't think it'll be too far away," Lynch said.
"I like playing at the club and think we're heading in the right direction."
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Lynch is an foundation Sun and, entering his sixth season, has become one of the most – if not the most – influential figures at the club.
Not only is he among the best young forwards in the competition, but alongside David Swallow, Steven May and Dion Prestia, is in line to take over the captaincy from Gary Ablett in the future.
There has never been a suggestion Lynch would look elsewhere, but his signature would be a relief to the Suns, who are also negotiating to keep star midfielders Prestia and Jaeger O'Meara.
Lynch said he was not fussed if the ink dried before round one or not.
"I'm just looking forward to playing footy and getting out there and hopefully having a good year," he said.
He might fly under the radar, but the quietly spoken Victorian has steadily improved every year and is unquestionably one of the best forwards in the game.
Lynch is coming off back-to-back seasons of 46 and 43 goals respectively and his 51 contested marks last year was the most in the AFL.
He appears to have not missed a beat entering 2016, kicking three goals in Sunday's NAB Challenge opener against the Brisbane Lions.
But the most intrigue around the Suns' forward set-up revolves around Lynch's potential sidekick following the off-season departure of Charlie Dixon to Port Adelaide.
Coach Rodney Eade confirmed post-match Sam Day and Peter Wright were effectively battling for one spot, although he wouldn't rule out the possibility of playing both.
Lynch said he was not concerned about taking on an extra workload.
"I think Pete or whoever gets picked, they'll play a good role for us," he said.
"I think that won't be an issue. I think they'll step up and have a good year."
