Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is confident of keeping his squad together.
An early exit from the Champions League and the potential failure to qualify for next season's competition have heaped more pressure on Benitez but he insists he has plenty of unfinished business at Anfield.
Securing the likes of Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt, midfielder Steven Gerrard and defender Daniel Agger on new long-term contracts - with goalkeeper Jose Reina and Argentina captain Javier Mascherano set to sign their deals in the next month - is instrumental is Benitez's planning.
The Spaniard is keen to keep hold of his key players before hopefully bringing in more quality to play alongside them.
"It was the idea last year to extend contracts," said Benitez. "It is the same this year to guarantee the spine of the team is there and, afterwards, try to bring in some good players to hopefully improve.
"With some players we are looking two or three years ahead, you have to be ready and prepare more or less the squad.
"In terms of the first team, to guarantee the extension of some players is enough to bring in the right players.
"We are always planning for the future. You can make mistakes but at least you have a plan.
"So if we don't make mistakes in the transfer window or if the [new] players settle down with this group of players we have at the moment we will improve."