Even though O’Shea does not want to think about falling out of the top flight, the ex-Manchester United ace has already stated he is prepared to stay with his 

current club and play in the Championship.

He said: “I have a relegation clause in terms of my wages.

"When I signed for Sunderland I was not thinking about things like that – but I signed a four-year contract and I intend to see it out.

“I reckoned we would be battling it out at the top end of the table but there have been plenty of changes.

“We have had new managers and players and we have been trying to get some stability.

“It has been difficult to get some consistency. We hung on a bit last season and hopefully we can do it again – but it’s going to be harder.”

Since Joining Sunderland from Manchester United in the Summer 2011, Under former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce,  O'Shea has scored 3 goals in 98 Appearances.

32-year-old  is out of contrant in June 2015