Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English is understood to be putting contract talks with the club on hold until next season.

Currently contracted until the end of 2022 after inking a new deal two years ago, English isn't likely to confirm his future past next year anytime soon, according to The Herald Sun.

A Western Australian product, English joined the Bulldogs via the 2016 National Draft via the 19th overall selection, a pick that now firms as a bargain for the Bulldogs.

TIM ENGLISH
Ruck
Bulldogs
2021 SEASON AVG
15.5
Hitouts
4.7
Marks
13.2
Disposals

English has flourished at the kennel across his past three seasons at Whitten Oval, having a breakout campaign in 2020 and taking his game to new heights this year thanks to the shared workload alongside veteran recruit Stefan Martin.

The pair have been key to the Bulldogs' success in 2021, however the club has hit a wall in recent weeks as English has head into battle solo.

Martin is expected to make his return to Luke Beveridge's side this weekend in what will be his first appearance since Round 12, having since battled a shoulder injury.

The 34-year-old's timely arrival will be a major boost for the Bulldogs' premiership plaudits, with English also set for spells in Beveridge's attack in the absence of injured spearhead Josh Bruce.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 03: Tim English (right) and Stefan Martin of the Bulldogs in action during the Western Bulldogs AFL training session at Whitten Oval on February 03, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The versatile tall will be key to the Dogs' hopes of prolonged success for the years to come, prompting the club's desires to lock away the 24-year-old.

The Herald Sun'sย report suggest English is keen to remain in Victoria, however could use his contract season to potentially add further value to his name as his career grows on a strong trajectory.

Rival clubs, namely the Eagles and Docker, are sure to express their interest in former South Fremantle talent regardless.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Nic Naitanui of the Eagles looks on during the 2018 AFL round 17 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui is also contracted until the end of next season and will turn 32 next May, potentially forcing the Eagles to cast their recruiting eye towards bolstering their ruck stocks.

English would be placed atop the Eagles' hit-list, as the Dogs ruck would form as an exceptional partner for young gun and part-time ruckman Oscar Allen in Perth.

Having recently re-signed young ruckman Sean Darcy to a new two-year extension, the Dockers are less likely to be asking the question of English's services.