Jack Colback and Phil Bardsley have both rejected new contracts at Sunderland and are set to depart the club in the summer as free agents. The pair had been locked in contract talks with the club in recent months but boss Gus Poyet concedes he cannot see the pair extending their stay at the Stadium of Light.
"Everybody knows we have been in contract talks with a couple of players, but at the moment everything is on standby," said Poyet.
"Everyone is responsible for their own decisions and I don't think we are in a position to push people to do things they do not want to do.
"I'm not stupid, I understand it brings uncertainty to the club for the future.
"To be honest, it doesn't matter where we finish - I cannot see them staying at the club.
"It would be too easy to make a decision based on where we are (Premier League or Championship) because it would be very unfair on the fans."
A further six players, including Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson, are out of contract this summer and are also set to leave the Black Cats with the club not offering them fresh terms.
