Sunderland boss Steve Bruce fears losing Phil Bardsley and Andy Reid on Bosmans.
Bardsley and Reid are the two most high-profile players whose Black Cats contracts will expire next June, and Bruce has challenged them to earn an extension.
Bruce said: "Phil and Andy Reid both out of contract so we'll be making a decision in the next few weeks leading up to January and the transfer window.
"Phil wants to play each week and when he plays like he did at Anfield he's a happy bunny. The problem is, he's not playing each week.
"He's a good lad to have around the place. He did well for himself last week, but it might be a battle to persuade him to sign.
"It's the one problem we all face that only Sir Alex avoids. He doesn't have players knocking on his door saying 'I'm not playing I want to play'.
"I'd be the same, I couldn't handle it if I trained all week but then didn't play."
