Transfer Centre

Reading release five including Danny Guthrie, Yakubu Aiyegbeni

By Giuseppe Labellarte, ReporterPublished: 21 May 2015 7:10 PM

Reading release five players, including Danny Guthrie and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, as manager Steve Clarke looks set to overhaul his squad in the close-season.

Reading have released five players as manager Steve Clarke looks set to overhaul his squad in the close-season.

Former Newcastle United and Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie and well-travelled striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni are the highest-profile casualties who are on their way out of the Madejski Stadium.

They are joined by Zat Knight, Jure Travner and rookie goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen, while new contracts have been offered to Adam Federici, Alex Pearce, Jem Karacan and Stephen Kelly.

A club statement read: "As we enter our third year out of the Premier League, the club's owners recognise the need for Steve Clarke to freshen his squad ahead of the new campaign, and this is the beginning of that process.

"After a period of financial instability and with the Financial Fair Play regulations in place, the owners are also making a concerted effort to get back to the sensible wage principles that have long been the club's trademark.

"Striking the right balance will be key to a sustainable model for success."

Reading reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup this season but finished an underwhelming 19th in the Championship table, just nine points above the drop zone.