Sunderland have sacked their £8 million ($11m) 2016 signing Papy Djilobodji after the defender breached his contract and failed a fitness test.
The former Chelsea man was allowed to go on unpaid leave throughout July, with the expectation that he would either find a new club or return with the required fitness to play for the Black Cats.
Sunderland claim that he instead returned in September, "ignoring written requests for his return", and "comprehensively failed" a fitness test given to all players during pre-season.
The club have subsequently issued Djilobodji notice that his contract has been terminated.