Tottenham boss Juande Ramos has started shaping his squad for next season by securing midfielder Jamie O'Hara until 2011.
O'Hara signed a three-year contract extension following his breakthrough campaign at Spurs and he has been told he is in the club's long-term plans.
Others in the current squad cannot be so certain ahead of Ramos' first full season since arriving from Sevilla, with the Spaniard expected to bring his own players to White Hart Lane.
After defeat to Liverpool on the final day of the Barclays Premier League campaign on Sunday, most of the team went to the boardroom to toast their season but the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Younes Kaboul and Ricardo Rocha left earlier.
Lee Young-Pyo is believed to be close to a move to PSV Eindhoven and the future of Pascal Chimbonda has been uncertain recently as he has been left out of matchday squads, while Dimitar Berbatov will be sold if a club tables a suitable bid.
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has been among the names suggested to replace Berbatov if he leaves, with Spurs hoping to eventually break into the top four and earn a place in the Champions League.
Centre-back Jonathan Woodgate said: "What's the point of competing if you go into a season looking to finish fifth? We want to try to get in the Champions League, that's the benchmark.
"We have players of Champions-League quality but there's no point in saying it every week, we have to prove it."
Woodgate feels Spurs have been closing the gap but admits it will take hard work to challenge the likes of yesterday's opponents for a place in the top four.
"Liverpool are a benchmark, they're a top side," the 28-year-old added.
"It shows how much we have to compete and how much we have to work to get the standard they're at. They work hard as well and have the quality to produce the goods at the end.
"They're 20-odd points ahead of us and that is a big difference but we'll have a big go next season. I'm sure the chairman will back the manager to buy some more players to build a strong squad here."
Woodgate, who arrived in January from Middlesbrough, is looking forward to his first full campaign under Ramos.
"I can't wait for pre-season and seeing what his methods are," he added.
"We've seen him this season and we'll see more next season when gets a full hold of the team and does what he wants to do. I'm sure it will be an exciting time."
Ramos could also use more Spurs youngsters next season, holding up O'Hara as an example to those not currently in the first team.
"Jamie has earned his time on the pitch this season," Ramos said.
"He has come a long way in a short space of time so I congratulate him and this new contract is recognition of his efforts.
"If he continues in the same vein, he will become a very important player for us."
The 21-year-old started the season on loan to Millwall but was then given a chance by Ramos and eventually earned his first England Under-21 cap.
O'Hara said: "The boss is building a squad that is going to be up there challenging for honours and to be told that I am part of his long-term plans by giving me a three-year deal is good for me.
"I just want to keep showing him that I want to progress and become one of the top players at Tottenham.
"To have another three seasons at the club that I have always wanted to play for is great and now I just can't wait for pre-season to begin."
