Le Pen leaves Ipswich

Le Pen spent last season on loan with Strasbourg and enjoyed regular playing time back in Le Championnat.

The winger struggled to establish himself at Portman Road, making just three substitute appearances for Town following his arrival from Lorient in November 2001.

The First Division outfit are happy to permit the 29-year-old to sign for Strasbourg on a free transfer, although a sell-on clause has been inserted into the deal, along with a bonus fee if Le Pen helps his new team into Europe.

Town chairman David Sheepshanks lamented Le Pen's inability to make an impact in England but wished the wide man well for the future.

"The signing of Ulrich Le Pen was neither a success for the club, nor the player," Sheepshanks told the club's official website.

"His brief career with Ipswich Town was fraught with injury from the first few minutes of his debut and subsequently both he and his wife were unable to settle in England, with Ulrich making it clear that he saw his future only in France.

"Since that time it has been a question of trying to secure a permanent move for the player and a release from his contract obligations for Ipswich Town Football Club.

"During his time with us, it is hard not to feel sympathy for the player and after his successful loan spell at Strasbourg, we now wish Ulrich well for his future."