RICHMOND insists conversations with Dustin Martin's manager, Ralph Carr, are still taking place regularly, but concedes an in-season contract extension for the star midfielder looks increasingly unlikely.

Martin's price tag continues to rise and there's no sign of a new deal on the horizon.

"It's very unlikely that it would be signed before the end of the season as that's the decision we made six weeks ago," Carr told AFL.com.au on Wednesday.

Martin's salary expectations are on the up after the Tigers' surprise 5-1 start to the season.

He's continuing to show potential suitors just how durable he is, brushing off calls to wear a helmet after suffering a fractured cheekbone in round two.

Then in recent weeks the midfielder has powered through groin soreness.

Contract speculation hasn't hampered his form, with Martin averaging 28.5 disposals, 4.2 tackles and a career-high 6.8 clearances a game.

Richmond continues to do everything it can to show its love for the 25-year-old.

With his father Shane barred from returning to Australia, the club has allowed Martin to take leave to visit him in New Zealand.

Martin becomes a restricted free agent in October.