Club chief executive Matt Finnis said on Tuesday discussions over a new deal had begun with Steven, an important midfielder the Saints hope will play a key role in the club's resurgence.

"It is certainly something we are talking with his manager about. Jack is overseas at the moment but he will be back at the club in November. Obviously, we would love to stitch that one up," Finnis said.

Steven missed the opening matches of the 2014 campaign because of a foot injury but played 17 games and finished eighth in the best and fairest.

Having played 90 matches since he was a third-round selection in the 2007 draft, the Saints need Steven to continue his development if they are to shift from the foot of the ladder.

If Steven opts to put negotiations on hold, he will be a restricted free agent once the 2015 season is done and is likely to attract several lucrative offers. He will turn 25 in March.

Finnis, who in his previous role as AFL Players' Association chief ushered in free agency, suggested Steven could expect to be offered a long-term deal.

"There is no doubt there is a security which can play off that when you come into a contract negotiation," Finnis said on 3AW when asked about free agency.

"I know the players saw as one of the benefits of free agency - players might trade off some dollars for a bit more security and length of tenure.

"A player like Jack Steven - he is well placed in terms of age and his performance to expect the Saints will be coming at him with an offer which looks to provide him with both, I would have thought."