Tom Flanagan makes a candid admission over his Sunderland future as contract uncertainty continues

However, the Northern Irish international believes it would take ‘something special’ for him to turn his back on the Black Cats should a new deal be proposed.

Flanagan is one of a dozen first-team players set to see their current terms expire in the summer, with Sunderland yet to begin talks over new contracts.

That’s not a worry for Flanagan, though, who is more focused on the short-term and the Wearsiders’ remaining fixtures – whenever they may be played.

“I’m not really concentrating on it at the minute,” said the centre back, speaking at an event organised by the Foundation of Light for the EFL Day of Action.

“I’ve got ten games to play for this club to hopefully get us promoted.

“I’ve got a lot more on my plate than to be worrying about my next contract. If everything goes the way I want it to go, I’ll be offered something I’m sure.”

Flanagan’s situation is complicated by the fact the 2019/20 season looks set to conclude after June 30, when his current deal expires.

And while FIFA and UEFA are already putting plans in place to deal with such a scenario, Sunderland could yet opt to hand out new contracts in a bid to tie-down a number of their key players.

Flanagan could fall into that category having retained his place in Phil Parkinson’s side before the enforced break – and the 28-year-old can’t envisage a scenario where he would turn down fresh terms.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said, when asked if he wished to remain on Wearside.

“I’ve got a young family who love it up here. We’ve both said it’s the nicest place that we’ve lived up here. We’ve enjoyed it and the people and stuff like that.

“I mean the football club... it will be something special for me to just turn my back and walk away. I can’t see that happening.

“But ultimately it’s in the club’s hands, so if it’s something that they’re not interested in then obviously I’m not gonna have a choice.”