ADAM MATTHEWS is one of four senior first team players at Sunderland who have not been offered new terms.

The former Celtic full-back is on his way out at the Stadium of Light when his current deal expires at the end of the month.

Sunderland confirmed his departure when they released their retained list and Matthews will leave having made more than 50 appearances for the Black Cats.

Matthews, who had an indifferent spell on Wearside after moving from Scotland and a loan at Bristol City, will be leaving Sunderland along with Hartlepool target Luke Molyneux and goalkeepers Max Stryjek and Robbin Ruiter.

Sunderland have shown an interest in replacing the two shot-stoppers with Middlesbrough’s Dimi Konstantopoulos, who would be a trustworthy experienced short-term option next season in League One.

Sunderland have offered a new deal to midfielder Elliot Embleton and it is hoped he will stay, like Denver Hume last month, and commit to Sunderland rather than leave as a free agent because he is under the age of 24.

Under-23 players Max Johnstone, Connor Shields and Alex Storey will all leave.

Hartlepool are favourites to sign out-of-contract winger Molyneux.

A number of League Two clubs are keen on the 21-year-old and Pools boss Craig Hignett is doing his best to keep him in the North-East and in the National League at the Super 6 Stadium.

Molyneux started 12 games and scored twice under Hignett during a loan. He made two appearances for Jack Ross' Sunderland, and spent the majority of last season on loan at Gateshead.