Sunderland flops to be hit with 40 PER CENT pay cut if they are relegated

S underland players will be hit with 40 per cent pay-cut if they are relegated this season.

The Black Cats are engulfed in a relegation battle following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

And members of the playing squad will be forced to take the hefty wage slash if they lose their battle to stay in the Premier League.

Hefty wage slash: Sunderland players will be hit with a 40 per cent pay-cut if the club are relegated this season Strugglers: The Black Cats are in a relegation battle following a disappointing Premier League campaign Defeat: Fabio Borini reacts after missing a good opportunity during Sunderland's 2-1 home loss to West Ham

The stipulation is understood to be standard across playing contracts at the Stadium of Light.

The move is designed to help the club deal with the financial repercussions of relegation into the Championship.

However, given the size of the wage decrease, the club’s most sought after stars are likely to angle for moves away from Sunderland if they go down.

Gus Poyet’s side are four points from safety with a game in hand over 17th place West Bromwich Albion.

But five of their next six fixtures are against sides in the top seven: Tottenham, Everton, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.