Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expecting Toni Kroos to sign a new contract at Bernabeu.
The 32-year-old's current deal with the Spanish and European champions is due to expire next June, meaning that, as it stands, he would be free to hold talks with foreign clubs at the turn of the year.
Kroos has again been a key player for Los Blancos this season, providing three assists in 13 appearances in all competitions, but there is huge uncertainty surrounding his future.
Ancelotti, speaking during his press conference on Friday, said that discussions would begin after the World Cup, but the Italian is expecting the German to extend his stay in the Spanish capital.
"We'll speak after the World Cup, in January or February. Personally, I think he'll stay on because he is doing well. He's playing better than last season, when he had struggled in the first half of the campaign before a good second half of the season," Ancelotti told reporters.
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Kroos, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City, has represented Real Madrid on 378 occasions in all competitions since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2014, contributing 25 goals and 86 assists in the process.
The midfielder has won three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his time in the Spanish capital, in addition to lifting the Club World Cup trophy on four occasions.
Kroos again started against Elche on Wednesday night and ultimately played 80 minutes of his side's 3-0 win.
The midfielder will be hoping to keep hold of his starting role for Saturday's game against Sevilla, when the reigning champions will be looking to move six points clear at the top of La Liga.
Real Madrid have another six games before the season breaks for the World Cup, preparing to take on Sevilla, RB Leipzig, Girona, Celtic, Rayo Vallecano and Cadiz.
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During his press conference on Friday, Ancelotti was asked about the impact of the upcoming World Cup when it comes to his selections.
"I understand the World Cup can be a concern for individual players, but as a team we won't make decisions based on that," said the Italian.
"We'll just play the best players to win our matches. I think it will be a much more intense World Cup than usual. In others, the players arrived exhausted, but for this one they'll have a lot of energy. We can't be concerned about the post-World Cup fatigue, because many clubs will have to deal with that."
Ancelotti also commented on Isco's return to Bernabeu, with the Spaniard pushing to be involved in Sevilla's starting lineup for Saturday's clash.
"I'm happy that he is playing again and I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow. He was a great player for this club and a great person to me," added the Real Madrid boss.
Thibaut Courtois is back in the squad for the game against Sevilla, but Dani Ceballos and Mariano Diaz remain unavailable for selection due to injury problems.
Matt Law
