West Coast has tabled a three-year contract offer to star ruckman Nic Naitanui, but it could come with a significant pay cut, according to The West Australian.
Naitanui has had an injury-riddled career, missing the entire 2017 season after rupturing his left ACL.
In Round 17, 2018 he ruptured his right ACL and hasn't played a game this season.
But Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett says the club is committed to Naitanui, confirming that a new deal has been tabled.
“The offer is three years and we are very happy to back Nicholas in,” Nisbett told The West Australian.
“We think he is a great player and person and will continue to support him.”
The star ruckman earns more than $1 million a year but a significant amount is for his marketing appeal and is outside of the Eagles’ salary cap.
Nisbett declined to comment on reports that Naitanui would have to take a pay cut.
The 29-year-old is keen to stay on at the club and conceded in January that he would accept reduced wages, as he believed it was inevitable.
“This club has looked after me from day one ... I am a realistic person with knowing that I have got two compromised knees now,” he said.
Naitanui is a restricted free agent this year but could chase a more lucrative deal with another club.
It is believed his manager Paul Connors is yet to accept the three-year deal.