The Vikings are looking to lock down Antoine Winfield with a long-term deal. (Jeff Gross / Getty Images)

Talks of a contract extension for Vikings CB Antoine Winfield are “expected to heat up” this week, Winfield’s agent told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Ashanti Webb, who serves as Winfield’s agent, termed the dealings as “intense negotiations” in a text message on Saturday evening, but declined to say if a deal might be reached this week.

“We have talked very frequently and are both working very hard at it,” Webb said in a subsequent phone interview. “We still have some ground we have to cover. … I would like to get this thing done. I know Antoine would like to get it done. But I can’t say at this point there is any frustration or I think it’s taken longer than I expected.”

Winfield, who is coming off a Pro Bowl nod, tied for the team lead with two interceptions and ranked second on the Vikings with 95 tackles in ’08. He added four forced fumbles and 2.0 sacks.

Winfield has played 10 seasons in the NFL — five with the Vikings (2004-08) and five with the Buffalo Bills (1999-2003). He has started all 16 regular-season games for the Vikings in three of the past four seasons.

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