Midfielder Bailey Williams and the Western Bulldogs are understood to be "a fair way apart" from agreeing to a new contract, with Adelaide seen as an interested suitor.

Williams has been a consistent selection in the Bulldogs' side since his breakout year in 2020. His development was credited with a fifth-place finish in that year's best and fairest count, while also claiming the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player Award for his contributions.

The Bulldogs utility has been in top form, reaching statistical career highs and helping the 2016 premiers cling onto eighth position ahead of their push for September.

The 25-year-old will be a free agent at the season's conclusion, with the Adelaide Crows rumoured to be a potential suitor.

According to 9 News Adelaide, the South Australian native will have to make a decision on his future with the Bulldogs before other clubs can engage in contract negotiations.

Whether the Crows will seek to land Williams could be impacted by Mason Redman's free agency decision.

The Bombers defender is also rumoured to be of heavy interest to the Crows and it is unlikely that both would join the Adelaide backline.

9 News also reported that the Crows will also look to re-sign former captains Rory Sloane and Taylor Walker in the coming months

Last week, Walker kicked a career-high 10 goals in his 250th AFLย match in a record-breaking 122-point demolition ofย West Coast.

Walker became just the fourth Crow to boot 10 goals in a game in Adelaide's 27.12 (174) to 8.4 (52) romp at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The Crows will now wait on contract negotiations to unfold to see how they can add to a talented young playing group.