Andy Cole, Ian Harte, Stephen Wright and Stan Varga have been told they are not part of the Black Cats' plans.

A number of youngsters, including Hartlepool lad Peter Hartley, will also be released next month.

But Dwight Yorke, who, like the other four, is also out of contract, is still in talks with the club.

Roy Keane said: "I've sat down with Andy, Ian, Stephen and Stan and they won't be getting new contracts.

"But I would like to put on record my gratitude for their contributions to this club – and I mean that.

"It might not be obvious to the fans or to the media, how these players have contributed because they haven't made too many appearances between them this season.

"But they've all helped in their own way and we wish them all the best.

"I don't think it came as too much of a surprise to them but we are grateful for their efforts this season."

The club is still hoping to hang on to Dwight Yorke because his influence around the club has been immense.

But it appears that the Black Cats want him more in a coaching, rather than playing capacity.

Keane said: "I've had a good chat with Yorkie and we're due to chat again – so we've been doing a lot of chatting!

"I think Yorkie wants to play on for another year and he has options to consider.

"I understand that, and that's not a problem to me but as I say we're still chatting about things and we have to look to see what happens."

On loans players, Russell Anderson, Graham Kavanagh and Greg Halford all returned to the club this week and joined in training.

Keane said: "I haven't spoken to any of the players this week who are under contract still.

"But that's something that we will look at probably next week."