Hateley is among 10 first-team players whose contracts are up at the end of the campaign.
Another one, Nicky Law, has attracted interest from Rangers and the likes of goalkeeper Darren Randolph and 20-goal striker Michael Higdon are sure to be on other clubs' wanted lists.
But Hateley is determined to hold on to second spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and believes Motherwell's fifth European qualification in six seasons could be vital.
The 23-year-old said: "There's a lot of us out of contract but we will just look to take care of business at the moment.
"Second is definitely a realistic position for us to finish.
"If we get second and get some European football it could be a big difference between whether people stay or go.
"It's inevitable the boys will get attention if you finish second.
"It would be a shame to throw away the position we are in now after the hard work and determination we have shown throughout the season."
Manager Stuart McCall knew nothing of the Rangers interest other than what he had read in the media, but Ibrox manager Ally McCoist today admitted he was aware of Law's contract situation.
McCall said: "I have not heard anything about it but it doesn't surprise me in the least that any club would be interested in Nicky Law and a lot of our players.
"His contract is up at the end of the season, I have spoken to his agent, and we will see where we go.
"I'm sure there will be lots of clubs south of the border who will be interested in taking him because he's an excellent player, and if he is played in the right role I think he can go on and have an excellent career."
McCall is still to put pen to paper on a new two-year contract, but the delay in completing the deal is not hindering his long-term planning.
"I know from speaking to the players and their agents roughly who wants to be offered contracts, who will listen to offers, which most of them will," he said.
"I have spoken to countless agents and three our four players about coming to Motherwell next season.
"The reality is that a couple of our players will move on and we accept that.
"It's then finding new players. I'm probably speaking to agents more than I'm speaking to my missus at the moment."
Motherwell are looking to extend their 12-game unbeaten run against Aberdeen in the SPL, although Craig Brown's team have knocked them out of the last two William Hill Scottish Cup campaigns.
And McCall still feels the Dons could be contenders for a European spot despite sitting in ninth place.
"I think they have the strongest squad outwith Celtic," he said.
"They have had their injury problems and I'm sure Craig will point to that and rightly so.
"I'm sure if they had a full squad throughout the season they would be higher up but nobody is saying they can't put three or four victories together and be right up there at the end of the season.
"I still think they have the players and experience to do it."
McCall, whose side are on the back of victories over Celtic and Hearts, witnessed the poor Pittodrie pitch at first hand on Scotland duty last month and will bear it in mind.
"We went to Ross County and didn't adapt to the conditions well and got beat," he said.
"Aberdeen's (pitch) doesn't look to be in the best condition. It's the same for both sides but it does affect your planning and selection."
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