Jose Mourinho says captain John Terry will receive a contract extension to stay at Chelsea beyond the end of this season.
The 34-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the current campaign, but Mourinho believes his form means he will be staying at Stamford Bridge.
"What I can guarantee is he will be a Chelsea player next season," Mourinho said.
"No doubts he's going to get his contract."
Chelsea policy dictates that players over the age of 30 are offered only 12-month deals.
Terry signed his current deal 48 hours after the end of last season – Mourinho's first back at Stamford Bridge – but his next offer could come before the end of the current campaign.
"It will be before the end of the season, for sure," Mourinho added.
Terry lifted the Capital One Cup on Sunday following a 2-0 win against Tottenham at Wembley. It was Mourinho's first trophy of his second spell.
Petr Cech played in goal for the Blues, despite being displaced as first choice by Thibaut Courtois this term.
Mourinho will not stand in Cech's way should he wish to leave at the end of the season, but his status means a big fee will be required to prise the Czech Republic goalkeeper from Stamford Bridge.
"If he tells me he wants to leave, I will tell him my opinion and my opinion is one of the three best goalkeepers in the world. Huge money," Mourinho said.
Chelsea resume their bid for a first Premier League title in five years at West Ham on Wednesday.
The Hammers, beaten 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, have one win in 10 Premier League games.
Chelsea have one game in hand after second-placed Manchester City lost at Liverpool on Sunday.
Mourinho said: "When our direct opponents lose points, it's good for us.
"We have five points advantage, which in this competition is not a lot.
"Mathematics plays a role in all of this – 12 matches to go, 36 points to play, 36 minus five, we need 31 points."
