Kluivert invoked clause

It was Patrick Kluivert's decision to quit Newcastle, according to his lawyer.

Paul Foortse, Patrick Kluivert's lawyer, claims it was not Newcastle United's decision to release his client.

The Magpies confirmed the Dutchman's exit after a disappointing campaign on Tyneside with the suggestion being that it was the North East club's decision to part with the ex-Milan attacker.

However, Foortse has suggested that it was Kluivert who invoked a clause in his contract to sever ties with Graeme Souness's men.

"We had a clause in the contract," Foortse told Sportweek. "When Newcastle were not in the top ten of The Premiership, Patrick could leave the club for free.

"Newcastle laughed about the clause as they couldn't expect that they wouldn't be in the top ten.

"We have seen it.

"Now they couldn't exercise the option for another two seasons and Patrick can look for another club."

With Alan Shearer postponing his retirement, Souness still has options in attack even though he will look to buy a new striker because Craig Bellamy is set to leave St James' Park on a permanent basis.