Everton’s out-of-contract quartet will have to wait until this summer before they discover whether they have futures at Goodison Park.
Steven Pienaar, Darron Gibson, Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert are all set to see their current deals with the Blues expire at the end of this season but the club have delayed making a decision on their fate due to the ongoing uncertainty over Roberto Martinez’s position.
Martinez could be sacked as Everton manager before this weekend’s visit of Norwich City amid growing supporter unrest.
All four players have struggled for form and fitness this season, managing only a combined 33 appearances.
Pienaar previously hit out at Martinez’s decision to defer contract talks until the end of this season.