Thursday 11 October 2018 11:53, UK
Sunderland have reached an agreement with midfielder Didier Ndong to end his stay on Wearside "on amicable terms".
Ndong became Sunderland's record signing when he joined the club in a £13.6m switch from Lorient in August 2016.
But the club have been in dispute with the Gabon international since he failed to report for pre-season training in the wake of a second successive relegation and served him with notice of their intention to terminate his contract last month.
A statement issued on Thursday morning said: "Sunderland AFC has reached an agreement with Didier Ndong for his departure on amicable terms. As of 8 October 2018, he is no longer an employee of the club.
"Sunderland AFC has an agreement with the player for a payment by way of compensation upon his signing for a new club."
Manager Jack Ross had said he was fully behind the decision to sack Ndong for the sake of the culture at the club.
Ndong made 54 appearances for the Black Cats, but fell out of favour under former boss Chris Coleman as the club fought in vain to retain their Sky Bet Championship status last season and was loaned to Watford in January.
However, he did not play in a single senior fixture for the Hornets during the second half of the campaign.