Bolton's squad are not just playing for Premier League survival but also their futures, manager Owen Coyle has warned.
The Trotters currently sit at the foot of the table are five point from safety and according to Coyle if things do not improve soon the "10 to 12" players who are out of contract in the summer will not be offered new deals anytime soon.
"I can totally understand why my owner would be reluctant to be handing out new contracts - until they are earned," said Coyle.
"That in itself should be a huge incentive for those players."
The Premier League betting odds online suggest the club are in real trouble, and they will not want to tie players to deals they cannot afford should they be relegated.
Coyle added that even if players were looking to move on, they should still give it their all for Bolton as that would help attract the attention of other clubs.
Perhaps the most high-profile of Bolton's players who are approaching the end of their deal is Gary Cahill, who has been linked to a number of top four clubs for a couple of seasons.
He was widely expected to leave this summer, but not deal was agreed and Coyle has admitted Bolton may be forced to cash in when the January Transfer window opens.
"If there is business to be done," Coyle said, "then so be it." The manager added that there was no doubt if Cahill did leave it would "top clubs" would be interested in his services.
Last summer, the club secured the services of David Wheater from Middlesbrough, with the centre-back widely being regarded as a replacement for Cahill.