SYDNEY has leapt up in the race to lure Jeremy McGovern at season’s end.

Foxfooty.com.au has been told the Swans have a strong desire to bring McGovern to the Harbour City to bolster their defensive stocks and believe they can afford him.

Sydney is one of several suitors for McGovern, who is a restricted free agent and remains on Fremantle and St Kilda’s radar too.

McGovern, who has indicated his preference to remain at the Eagles, put off his contract talks until the end of the season early last month, but those close to him speak of his tight relationship with West Coast coach Adam Simpson and love of the club.

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The Swans are also firming in their pursuit of Darcy Moore, who is out of contract at Collingwood at the end of the year.

Their combined interest in McGovern and Moore suggests John Longmire and co may want to find a ready-made replacement for 32 year-old Heath Grundy, should he choose to retire at the end of the year.

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West Coast can match any bid the Sydney Swans offer, with McGovern a restricted free agent.

Previous reports have suggested the length of the Eagles’ offer to McGovern could be the sticking point, with the dual All-Australian keen to secure a long-term deal that would effectively make him an Eagle for life and provide security for his young family in Perth.

But as suggestions of seven figure offers circulate, McGovern’s market value has soared recently. He is the most prolific contested marking player in the game and is ranked fifth for intercept possessions in 2018.

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“I am probably going to put it (contract talks) on hold I think until the end of the year,” McGovern told Hit 92.9 radio in Perth in May.

“I spoke to my manager (Colin Young) about it and I’m loving my footy at the moment.

“It’s just easier for everyone I think, rather than a running commentary every week. We can just leave it until then. I’m loving my footy with the boys.

“We will reassess it through the bye and at the end of the year we will probably look at it.

“It’s just running commentary every week. Everyone is asking about it. If I just put it off then everyone can get over it and let me play footy.”

The 26-year-old has played 89 matches for West Coast since being selected with Pick 44 in the 2010 Rookie Draft.