Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has said that he fully intends to extend Ledley King's contract at the club.
King – who has started 11 games this season – was told that he must make at least 20 appearances in 2011/12 in order to earn a new deal at White Hart Lane after missing all but six games with injuries a season ago.
However, Redknapp has said that he does not see King leaving the club.
"I'd always give him a contract," he said. "It wouldn't be a question. If it's me, it's not a problem, he'd be here forever — he's part of the furniture, he's a big part of this club and I'm sure the chairman as well will make sure he looks after him.
"I don't see Ledley leaving here, he hasn't got to play 20 games. I felt that if he's not going to play that amount of games, from a playing point of view it becomes difficult.
"But if he plays 12, 14 or 16 I don't think anyone's going to go, 'Well you didn't reach 20'. I think there's enough goodwill towards Ledley here for what he's been and what he is. If he only plays 10 games, the chances are you might win those 10."
King, who made his debut for the senior side in 1998, has been with Tottenham for his entire career.