Manchester United are confident they will reach an agreement with midfielder Marouane Fellaini over a new deal.
Fellaini, who has emerged as one of United boss Jose Mourinho's most trusted midfielders this term, is out of contract at the end of this season.
United have opened talks with Fellaini and his representatives, but a conclusion has yet to be reached to the satisfaction of both parties.
But Fellani's value to United and importance to Mourinho are set to see United ensure a deal is struck and the Belgian is tied down to a new deal, likely to be two years, with an option for a third.
United activated a one-year extension to Fellaini's contract last season but the 30-year-old is free to speak to other clubs from January 1, with the Reds determined to have a new deal for him in place by then.
Fellaini has emerged as a key player for Mourinho's United, coming into the team for injured £89million midfielder Paul Pogba, who remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
With four goals already this term, Fellaini has proved his worth to United, and reinvented himself after many fans questioned his value and wanted him out of Old Trafford.