Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has admitted that he doesn't know if winger Emanuele Giaccherini will be at the club next season.
The Black Cats are bottom of the Premier League and are facing the possibility of relegation to the Championship, leaving the futures of several players at the club uncertain.
Giaccherini has struggled to make an impact at the Stadium of Light since his move from Juventus last summer.
"It's too soon to be talking about that because nobody knows really," Poyet told the Sunderland Echo.
"I'm surprised they're talking about it so early, because the season isn't finished."
The Italy international has scored four goals in 27 appearances for Sunderland in all competitions this season.