Tony Mowbray says the situation at Sunderland is “complicated” as several experienced players consider their futures, including Danny Batth.

Rovers hold interest in the centre-back who won the Player of the Season award at the Stadium of Light last term.

Jon Dahl Tomasson has previously spoken about wanting to add experience to his young squad, and Ryan Hedges is now the oldest player in the changing room following Thomas Kaminski’s move to Premier League newcomers Luton Town.

Alex Pritchard and Lynden Gooch have also been linked with the exit door at Sunderland heading into the final weeks of the window.

Mowbray told The Sunderland Echo: "I've been in football a long time and I understand how squads need a balance of experienced players, and I do think it's different for all of them really.

"Some of it might be about how much of your budget you're going to commit to someone who might not be playing.

“Players have outlays - cars, mortgages etc - and when you get to the last year of your contract, you start wanting to negotiate a new one.”

He added: “I'm only really interested in what happens on the grass. When we're playing Luton away, I would prefer Danny Batth right in the middle there, heading the ball out of the box.

“But if you get to an impasse where there isn't a new contract offer that's suitable, and we're seeing what else out there. As I've said, if there's no sale when the window shuts then they're here and part of it.

“At this moment, I'm just respectful of the players. I like them all and they did exceptionally well for the club last year in different roles.”

Sunderland suffered a 2-1 defeat against Preston North End at the weekend despite Jack Clarke’s spot kick during the first half.

The North East club finished sixth last season before coming up just short against Luton in the play-off semi-final.

"Every club needs a squad and senior players with intelligence, and good human values, are critical around a football club and around a dressing room,” Mowbray continued.

“I'm more interested in whether they are here in three weeks or not, and then I will deal with the scenario one way or the other.

"If they are here, I'll have some talking to do to make sure they're pacified and ready to go. If they go, it will be because they wanted to and the deal was right for them - that's football.

“I don't want to get wrapped up in a situation where I'm talking against the club. I could easily sit here and say, ‘We should be keeping those three players', but it's not as simple as that.

“There are a lot of different factors. It's not quite as simple as, ‘Do I want to keep them?’ There are a lot of intricacies around contractual situations."