Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has criticised Stoke City boss Mark Hughes after reports emerged linking the Potters with Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole.

Poyet claimed that he had not heard from Hughes about the reported interest and said that he was disappointed to see the transfer stories about his players.

He was quoted by The Metro as saying: "No-one from Stoke, directors or anyone from them, has made any formal approach or any offer, so for them to be linked with two very important players for us before the game is a little bit disappointing.

"[Hughes] didn't call me. Some people would say the manager normally would call to say when they want a player of the other team.

"But he didn't call me, of that I can assure you."

The Black Cats are currently 19th in the Premier League.