There had been speculation that the two summer signings could be first out of the door – Diouf possibly going to Blackburn Rovers or back to Bolton Wanderers, and Chimbonda heading to France and Lyon.

That speculation intensified when neither appeared on the bench for Sunderland's last game, the 3-0 defeat at Everton, while several youngsters were named among the subs.

But Sbragia said today: "There are no plans to sell either player and we hope that they see their future here with us because we want them to stay. There is nothing to be read into the fact that they weren't involved in the Everton game.

"Pascal had had a series of niggling injuries. He needs a proper run of training sessions before he really comes into contention.

"And as for Dioufy, he's been away for a while with the birth of his baby and had only just got back. But both players come into contention when they are available and we certainly have no plans at this moment for them to be playing anywhere other than here.

"I'm under no pressure to sell anyone, although we know the squad is a little bit on the big side and that is something we'll have to address at some stage."