Carlton veteran Sam Docherty says he won’t pressure rising star Tom de Koning to extend his deal at the Blues, as a Sydney poach reportedly looms large.

Docherty, who revealed his own two-year deal on Sunday tying him to Carlton until at least the end of 2025, said he was determined to give de Koning space to make the big call on his future.

“He knows what we’ve got here and what we’re building here for a number of years,” Docherty told media on Sunday.

“These things are really delicate on guys’ futures and you’ve got to let the process just play out.

“You don’t know what conversations they are having behind closed doors.

“We’re just teammates and friends… I think it’s important you just stay on that line (with de Koning).

“Between now and then (the end of the year)… There’s no point putting on extra pressure on the kid.

“He’s trying to play great footy for us. I’m more focused on that than I am when he signs on the dotted line.”

Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy last week urged Carlton to do everything they can to keep de Koning amid reports the Swans are prepared to offer the ruck-forward a mega long-term deal.

The 23-year-old Blue is already one of the biggest names to come off contract this year.

“Every club would be keen to get him. I’d be surprised if (Carlton list boss Nick) Austin is keen enough to give him away,” Healy said on SEN.

“I wouldn’t be letting him out of the joint come hell or high water.”

Speaking about de Koning’s contract on Sunday, Docherty said he had to respect the youngster’s decision whenever he makes it.

“The funny thing is with these negotiations is everyone’s in different mindsets,” Docherty said.

“You’ve just got to respect guys with a different process.

“Some guys let to do their footy do the talking for a period of time, some like to wait until later in the year.

“Whatever Tom does, it’s completely up to him.”

De Koning has played 41 games for Carlton since being drafted with Pick 30 in the 2017 draft.