Sunderland captain Gary Breen has been released following the club's relegation to the English Championship. The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer and has been told he will not be offered a new deal after three years at the Stadium of Light.
Republic of Ireland international Breen led the side to promotion 12 months ago. However, the club struggled in defence and finished with a record low of 15 top-flight points last season.
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Joe Murphy has already joined Scunthorpe from the side that sacked Mick McCarthy as manager earlier in the season.
Justin Hoyte and Anthony Le Tallec have returned to Arsenal and Liverpool respectively after season-long loan deals, while striker Andy Gray is expected to join Burnley.
Tottenham's new £10.9 million signing Dimitar Berbatov (25) believes he has joined a club on the "up and up" after moving from Bayer Leverkusen.
Leverkusen's director of sport Rudi Voller, the former Germany striker, advised Berbatov to stay another year and wait for an offer from a "top club". But the 6ft 2in (188 cm) Bulgaria international, who was second top-scorer in the Bundesliga last season, said: "The club's reputation is growing."
Michael Owen has declared himself fit for England's bid for World Cup glory and insisted: "If there was a game tomorrow I'd be ready to play."
Owen has dispelled any lingering doubts he would be ready for the tournament in Germany following his broken metatarsal five months ago.
The Newcastle striker has looked sharp during England's current week-long training camp in Portugal despite being confined to only half an hour's action - as a substitute against Birmingham last month - since the injury setback.
Today'sFixtures
International Match: Moldova v Azerbaijan (5.0).
European Under-21 Championship: Preliminary round, second leg: Rep of Ireland v Azerbaijan, 7.30.
Uefa Under-19 Qualifying Group: Second round: England v Belgium (7.0); Serbia & Montenegro v Northern Ireland (5.0).
Toulon Under-20 International Tournament: Group B: Mexico v Colombia (5.30); France v Holland (7.30).
English League: Two: Play-Offs, semi-final, second leg: Cheltenham v Wycombe, 7.45.
