However, manager Roy Keane is keen to retain his experience and will hope to persuade his former Manchester United team-mate his immediate future is on Wearside.

The Black Cats today issued their retained list for the new season and Yorke’s name could yet be added to it.

There is a place for Republic of Ireland international Liam Miller, who was transfer-listed for persistent lateness in February, but fought his way back into the side.

But there are otherwise few surprises after the manager moved quickly to identify those players who were no longer part of his plans at the end of last season.

Ian Harte, Stephen Wright, Andy Cole and Stanislav Varga were all told their contracts would not be renewed, while loan signing Jonny Evans has returned to Old Trafford.

Keane is desperate for the Northern Ireland international to head back to the north-east for a third spell, but that will depend upon his ability to persuade opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson either to sell him or sanction another loan move.

Spanish midfielder Arnau, who spent last season on loan at Falkirk, will return to the club for the start of pre-season training, while Graham Kavanagh, Russell Anderson and Greg Halford, who were also sent out on loan, remain under contract.

However, Keane has signalled his intention to re-shape his squad once again and it would be no surprise if several of the men included on today’s list are no longer Sunderland players by the time the new season gets underway.