Everton players are shocked at the treatment of Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman.

The Daily Mail says they only found out they were being released by the club when friends texted them on Friday.

Despite nearly 28 years service for the club between them, no-one had formally informed the pair they were not to be offered new contracts at Goodison Park.

They discovered they were no longer wanted when friends saw Everton's released list, announced on the club website, and sent messages saying they were sorry to hear the news.

Midfielder Steven Pienaar, 34, who has been at the club for eight years over two spells, found out in similar fashion. Fellow players and club staff have been left shocked at the way their departures have been handled.