TheCable

Reading have released Yakubu Aiyegbeni and four other players as manager Steve Clarke looks set to overhaul his squad for the new season.

Aiyegbeni joined Reading as a free agent in February 2015 till the end of the season and scored his first goal for his new club on Valentine’s Day in a 2-1 win over Derby County in an FA Cup match at the Pride Park.

The well-travelled former Super Eagles striker and former Newcastle United and Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie 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.

“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,” a club statement read.

“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.