LUKE Beveridge has admitted the Western Bulldogs and Luke Dahlhaus' management are still a fair distance apart on contract negotiations, but wouldn't be surprised if the premiership forward recommitted sooner rather than later.

A free agent at season's end, the 25-year-old's future has been the subject of constant speculation this season, and Dahlhaus joins close mate Tom Liberatore, Zaine Cordy, Jordan Roughead, Clay Smith, Shane Biggs and Dale Morris as flag Bulldogs coming out of contract.

Dahlhaus has played 146 games and kicked 109 goals for the Bulldogs since being taken with pick 22 in the 2011 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, and the former Geelong Falcon has worked hard on his deficient kicking in his time at Whitten Oval.

Dahlhaus is averaging 22 disposals and four tackles a game while being equal-10th in the AFL for handballs this season (133), but has only managed to kick one goal in nine matches.

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While he said a resolution might take some time, Beveridge said Dahlhaus' manager Peter Lenton and Bulldogs list manager Sam Power have been in constant discussions over a new deal for the fan favourite.

"Peter and Sam are in constant talks, but there's a bit of a gap there between both parties," Beveridge said on Tuesday.

"We know Luke is much required and loved player at our club, so all of us hope that a deal can get done.

"We've got a list management meeting in a couple of weeks where we'll process it again, but between now and then, Luke might even be signed."

When asked what the sticking point was, Beveridge conceded the duration of the contract was one issue.

"I'd rather not go into any detail, but I think (the length of deal) is part of the conversation," Beveridge said.

"Luke is entitled to leverage his status in the game and get the best deal for him."

Back in March, Beveridge labelled a report a "lie" that stated the Dogs had tried to offload Dahlhaus in last year's NAB AFL Trade Period.