West Coast have made an early move to lock up one of their young stars, offering Reuben Ginbey a five-year extension to his contract.

The Eagles have begun negotiations with the defender, who is contracted until the end of the 2027 season.

While talks are still only in their early stages, the 21-year-old wants to stay at the Eagles for the long-term, granted the right deal is struck.

Taken by West Coast with the ninth selection in the 2022 draft, Ginbey has gone on to play 71 games across his first four seasons with the club.

The Dunsborough product was used in an on-ball role in a depleted midfield in his early years with the club but has since been shuffled into the back-line, where he has starred as an undersized key defender.

Despite persistently giving up height to his opponents and the Eagles’ sustained struggles, he has won many of his individual match-ups with some of the competition’s best forwards.

He held Fremantle superstar Josh Treacy to only one goal in the western derby in round six as his side went down by 58 points.

Ahead of this season, Ginbey was elevated into the West Coast’s leadership group, becoming its youngest member.

Last month, The West Australian revealed the Eagles had also offered another West Australian junior Elijah Hewett a five-year extension to his contract.