Newcastle United trim outcast from wage bill days after close of transfer window

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Newcastle United players Vurnon Anita (r) and Achraf Lazaar (c) celebrate by taking selfie photographs after winning the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Barnsley at St James' Park on May 7, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle United have confirmed the release of outcast Achraf Lazaar.

The Rafa Benitez signing made just nine appearances for United in a near five year period.

Lazaar was again cut out of the first-team picture this season after being left out of the 25-man Premier League squad by manager Steve Bruce, who also chopped the Moroccan international last season, despite signing him on loan the year previous at Sheffield Wednesday.

A club statement confirming the news, said: “Newcastle United can confirm that defender Achraf Lazaar has left the club after mutually agreeing to end his contract.

“The Morocco international arrived on Tyneside from Palermo in 2016 and made nine first team appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, as well as spending time on loan at Benevento, Sheffield Wednesday and Cosenza.

“The club wishes Achraf well for the future.”

If Lazaar’s exit was confirmed outside the window he will be unable to sign for another club until the summer.