MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies looks on after being subbed from the match during the 2021 AFL Round 19 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Collingwood Magpies at Marvel Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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 to The Herald Sun, 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.

AFL Rd 15 - Brisbane v Collingwood
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies kicks the ball during the round 15 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba on September 04, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

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

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Don Pyke, Senior Coach of the Crows during the 2019 AFL round 12 match between the Adelaide Crows and the GWS Giants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 08, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

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.

The Magpies' search has faced delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, restricting them from sitting down with candidates face-to-face.