RODWELL FINALLY LEAVES

Jack Rodwell and Sunderland have reached a settlement that will see the 27-year-old leave the club.

Rodwell was the only player in the squad not to take a pay cut following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, but played a minimal role in the following campaign after telling Chris Coleman he wanted to leave the club.

The midfielder turned down the chance to move to the Eredivisie on loan in January but with his wages due to drop this season, his representatives and chairman Stewart Donald have thrashed out a deal.

It means the Black Cats will save a significant sum over the coming campaign and Rodwell will seek to pursue other opportunities elsewhere.

He has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS.

The former Manchester City man leaves having made just 67 league appearances in four full seasons on Wearside.

He has not played any senior football since last September and played only a handful of reserve games in the interim period.

The terms of the settlement between the club and Rodwell have not been disclosed, but speaking last week to A Love Supreme, Donald claimed he would fight any bid by the players representatives for a loyalty bonus.

Donald said: “Rodwell has actually been very reasonable throughout the process, although we have refused him a loyalty bonus because he hasn’t been loyal. Simple as that, but he’s ready to have a very sensible conversation about his future.

“If we manage to move Rodwell on, we can afford to keep the likes of Wahbi Khazri and he’s a very good player.”

Rodwell is the latest high-earner to leave the club after the exits of John O’Shea, Billy Jones, Marc Wilson, Paddy McNair and Jason Steele.