Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant has urged the club to retain the services of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
The experienced English trio are all out of contract at the end of the season and despite reports that there have been discussions over extended deals, no agreements have been confirmed.
However, rather than lose their services on free transfers, Grant believes that all three have a role to play at Stamford Bridge next year.
"Chelsea have a good squad for next season. If you can use those players Lampard, Terry and Cole, sometimes not even all of the season because of their age, but if you can use them it would be good," he told Sky Sports News.
"Especially if you want to buy and I know that Chelsea want to buy a young talented player, so the balance needs to be with an experienced player. I don't need to make a decision but I think all of these three can make a contribution, not for all the season, but they can make Chelsea better."
All three are expected to learn the club's decision on their futures by the end of the month.
Liam Apicella
