Sunderland have told £10million midfielder Jack Rodwell they will tear up his contract if he can find another club.
It is understood the 26-year-old has asked to leave the Stadium of Light and has been told he can go for free.
However, it is understood Rodwell is yet to accept the offer.
The capture of the former England international, who was signed by former boss Gus Poyet, was seen as something of a coup at the time, but Rodwell's time in the north-east has been dismal.
Rodwell penned a five-year contract when he joined the club from Manchester City in August 2014, but has made just 76 senior appearances for the Black Cats during his three and a half years to date on Wearside.