Stoke City boss Paul Lambert was warned the club's wantaway stars that they will not just be able to walk out of the club in this summer's transfer window.
The Potters were officially relegated from the Premier League when they lost 2-1 against Crystal Palace last weekend.
A number of players are reportedly keen to leave the bet365 Stadium this summer, with Jack Butland and Xherdan Shaqiri among those that are expected to draw interest.
Lambert, however, has issued a warning to those that could attempt to force a summer exit.
"Lads are under contract. It's not as if you can just walk out here and throw your toys out the pram and think 'I'm going to go.' You might not be going anywhere," Lambert told reporters.
"If the club keeps the core of the team and adds to it, adds guys that want to be here, the right type of player, the right type of mentality, the right character, then there's a great chance this club will bounce straight back up."
Stoke will look to move off the bottom of the Premier League table when they travel to Swansea City on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
