Brentford boss Mark Warburton remains hopeful that Jonathan Douglas will sign a new contract.
The Irish midfielder, 32, has been a key factor in Brentford's fine start to the season, but he will be out of contract in the summer and negotiations over a new deal recently stalled."These things take time," said Warburton. "The owner and the guys will get together and talk with the agents but I don't want anything to distract from the playing side.
"We are making progress and I am very hopeful."
Douglas will return to Brentford's midfield following suspension for Friday night's west London derby showdown with Fulham, where he will come up against former England star Scott Parker.
"It's nice for us that he's back," added Warburton. "Dougie had been an ever-present this season and has performed exceptionally well for us.
"Scott Parker is a Premier League player, an England international, a fantastic pro and we are well aware of his qualities. It will be an intriguing battle and hopefully we'll be up for it."
Another Bees midfielder whose future is under scrutiny is Alex Pritchard, who is on loan from Tottenham but has been attracting interest from elsewhere.
Spurs could recall the England under-21 international in January but Warburton feels he should stay put at Griffin Park.
"All I look at is that players are doing well because they are playing here - they are getting good pitch time and players want to play," he said.
"You could go to a Premier League club and spend seven 10ths of your time on the bench. Is that what you need? As a young player you need to develop by playing the game.
"Anyone has to think long and hard before you leave that environment. Alex is desperate to play here, he's a pleasure for us to have and he's here until Spurs say otherwise."