Having already announced the forthcoming departure of Nigel Boogaard, the Reds could yet be forced to say goodbye to another key defender at the end of this season

Time is running out for Osama Malik to commit to Adelaide United , with the A-League club 'not overly confident' of re-signing the talented utility player.

Malik, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, is one of the few first-choice Reds stars yet to commit his future to Josep Gombau's team.

News Corp have this week claimed the 24-year-old, who is comfortable at fullback, in central defence and in midfield, is the subject of interest from Belgium and Switzerland.

Speaking after his team's 3-1 loss to Melbourne City on Sunday, Gombau confirmed the club was expecting to hear back from Malik and his representatives this week.

Chief executive Michael Petrillo has now made it clear a response will be required soon to prevent Adelaide putting in place their plans for life without the former North Queensland Fury man.

"We have made an offer to Osama and he's considering it and we have to have an answer within a week or two," Petrillo was quoted as saying in the Adelaide Advertiser.

"We're confident but not overly confident. The ball is with him. He needs to give us an answer."