Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair is sure Blues captain John Terry will sign a new deal.
The 33-year-old centre-half – a one-club man who made his debut in 1998 – is in the final year of his Stamford Bridge contract.
And although the offer of a new one-year deal is in keeping with club policy for players over the age of 30, speculation has been rife that he will leave in the summer.
“I would be amazed if John doesn’t sign a new contract,” Sinclair, now manager of Conference North side Colwyn Bay, told West London Sport.
“I believe behind-the-scenes conversations are being had and I expect the player, manager and the club are comfortable to do it when they are good and ready.”
Terry, whose only time away from the Bridge was a loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2000, has played more than 600 games for Chelsea, scoring more than 50 goals.
But it has been widely reported that Terry, who has started every Premier League game this term, is unhappy at only being offered terms for one more season.
“He has been the number one pick this season and deserves a contract,” added Sinclair, who was still a Blues player when a young Terry was making the breakthrough from the reserves to the fringes of the first team.
“The club policy getting into your thirties is to only offer one-year deals at a time.
“But if I was in his shoes then I wouldn’t have a problem with that. If you know the policy and if you have confidence in your own ability then I don’t see it as an issue.”
Manager Jose Mourinho has described Terry as being the best centre-back in England this season and wants to keep the man who led the Portuguese to back-to-back Premier League titles during their first spell together.
Mourinho has said that he hopes the trust that exists between him and his captain will help the contract negotiations.
And Sinclair says Terry’s displays this season have proved he remains a key player and an inspirational leader.
“John has been fantastic – especially after last season when he had to sit out a lot [under Rafael Benitez], which was something he just wasn’t used to doing,” Sinclair said.
“He has bounced back and full credit to him. He has been a vital and brilliant player for Chelsea. He’s been there so long and won so much.
“I am sure he is not worried. I am sure he would have had discussions and verbal reassurances from the manager.
“It’s not the same situation that Frank Lampard had last season as there was the uncertainty around the manager.”
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This post was last modified on 30/01/2014