Star Carlton forward Harry McKay's contract situation is reportedly "in a holding pattern" amid a tremendous breakout season, reports Fox Sports' Tom Morris.

And he believes Collingwood and Essendon are ready to pounce with their own offers later in the season if a deal with the Blues is not reached soon.

The 23-year old is out-of-contract at season's end with an ever-increasing price tag, currently leading the Coleman Medal with 33 goals through nine rounds.

Carlton reportedly remains confident of getting a deal done with McKay despite his rising price tag and with rival clubs ready to launch big-money offers.

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AFL Rd 7 - Essendon v Carlton
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Harry McKay of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 07 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 02, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the Blues also need sufficient cash leftover to extend star midfielder Sam Walsh's contract, who is due for his own pay increase when his current deal expires at the end of 2022.

Meanwhile, off-contract Blues skipper Patrick Cripps is expected to pen a four-year extension as early as next week, which would also take up a big chunk of their salary.

Speaking on Fox Sports News’ AFL Tonight, Morris said he expects McKay's contracts talks with the Blues to ramp up after their Round 13 bye.

“His contract situation is just in a holding pattern right now. At the moment, he’s wanting to play football and things will ramp up after the bye - the bye sort of acts as a breaking point. After that, things will start to ramp up a bit more,” Morris said.

“Carlton are very confident they can re-sign him, but his price is going up almost weekly at the moment.

“If they go deep into the season, expect Collingwood and Essendon to come for him.

“They also need to have money for Sam Walsh, who they’ve been wanting to lock down for some time.”