A host of the Black Cats squad will see their current deals expire in the summer, but given Sunderland's current situation the club have not prioritised new contracts.
In total seven players are out of contract at the Stadium of Shite - Seb Larsson, Craig Gardner, Jack Colback, Keiren Westwood, Carlos Cuellar, Phil Bardsley and Andrea Dossena.
Gus Poyet: "I have not told any of the players who are out of contract that they are free to look for another club this summer.
"I think the players are clear enough. No one has come to me and asked me about it.
"I didn't want to start talks anyway because it can be taken the wrong way if you are not careful.
"My view is that players have to take the attitude of when does my contract finish? 30th of June?
"OK, then I'm a player for this club until the 30th of June.
"It doesn't matter if we offer a player a contract and he says he's not going to sign - that doesn't mean I'm not going to play that player anymore
"He will play, I promise you, if he's impressing me with his attitude and his ability in training."