MELBOURNE is closing in on a new deal to lock in leading goalkicker Bayley Fritsch.

The Demons were well down the track for a contract extension for Fritsch before the COVID-19 contract freeze hit in March. 

However with the AFL lifting that pause on new deals last week, talks for an extension for Fritsch have recommenced, with a two-year contract expected for Fritsch.

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It would take the exciting Demons forward through to the end of 2022 at the club, having established himself as one of Melbourne's forward mainstays.

Fritsch, who was drafted from the Casey Demons in the VFL, has played every game this season and kicked 10 goals.

Two of those came in Melbourne's narrow loss to Brisbane on Sunday, although the skilful left-footer gave away a costly 50-metre penalty late in the last term during the Demons' surge.

He has missed only two games since making his debut at the Demons in round one, 2018, and last year kicked 20 goals.

Fritsch is among the Dees' most pressing re-signings this season, with midfielder Jack Viney their key priority.

Viney will qualify as a restricted free agent at the end of the season and has had a strong season, averaging 22 disposals so far.

Nathan Jones, Viney's former co-captain, is also out of contract as an unrestricted free agent, while ex-Bombers defender Michael Hibberd and young tall Oscar McDonald are among the other Demons searching for new deals beyond this year.