Collingwood are understood to be holding off on contract discussions with captain Scott Pendlebury for next season as the club continues it's search for a new coach.
According toย The Herald Sun,ย negotiations between the Magpies and their skipper will be delayed, with the five-time Copeland Trophy winner yet to sign an extension for the 2022 season.
Pendlebury's current campaign was brought to an abrupt end last month after suffering a crack in his leg against Port Adelaide in Round 19, with the 33-year-old among an extensive list of Magpies players yet to secure their future past this season.
Magpies defender Brayden Maynard is also understood to be holding off on contract discussions with the club until the Magpies' coach is appointed, although the 24-year-old remains contracted until the end of next season.
While there is belief Pendlebury will be at the Holden Centre in 2022, the club's decision to hold off on a new deal does raise some concern.
The call comes as the Magpies look to appoint their successor to Nathan Buckley, who parted ways with Collingwood in June.
A plethora of high-profile candidates are understood to be in contention for the vacant senior coaching role, with Michael Voss, Don Pyke, Brad Scott and Adam Kingsley among the list
West Coast's Jaymie Graham and Hawks assistant Craig McRae have also reportedly shot into the bidding in recent weeks.
Interim coach Robert Harvey is also in the frame, but it is unsure if the Saints great has held formal discussions with the club on the vacancy.
Collingwood football boss Graham Wright revealed last month that the club was likely to confirm its next senior coach by mid-September.
We take a look into SEVEN of the leading candidates for the vacant Magpies role๐ #AFL https://t.co/KIbE6ayhDw
— Zero Hanger (@zerohanger) August 17, 2021
The Magpies' search has faced delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, restricting them from sitting down with candidates face-to-face.