Well, I can do it on some expiring players' contracts but not on others? Anyone has a good explanation?

well if the contract isn't expiring you have to make a transfer bid don't you? you cant just offer a contract... right? :confused:

I think that the whole rule about approaching players with expiring contracts only applies within Europe iirc

I'm playing as Notts County, I see several players' contracts expiring 6 months from now, where in previous versions of FM I would have been able to offer a pre-contract for them in January, but I've been unable to do so with some players, particularly young players.

They have updated the Bosman ruling in the game to more accurately represent real life...
Guessing this is because of that.