Rafa Benitez is confident Javier Mascherano and Pepe Reina will sign new contracts before the summer.
The club has held discussions with both players over new deals - and Benitez believes talks are nearing a conclusion.
Asked if a deal would be struck with Mascherano before the end of the season, the boss said: "I think so.
"I was talking with him and his agent the other day and it is true Javier is happier.
"The conversations were very positive. When you talk with Javier he is very settled and happy.
"Everyone knew about some clubs (being interested in him) but talking with us he was fine."
On Reina, Benitez added: "Pepe is another key player and it is 100 per cent he will continue with us.
"Everything is very close. I think we will have news about Reina and Mascherano very soon."
Tagged: benitez , contract , javier mascherano , mascherano , pepe reina , rafa benitez , rafael benitez , reina