Charlton Athletic have confirmed the departure of reported Nottingham Forest target Lyle Taylor, as they announced their retained list.
The forward, who was linked with the Reds and a number of other clubs in January, declined to sign a short-term deal to see out the season with the Addicks.
He also ruled himself out of Charlton’s three matches in June, while he was still under contract, as he was worried about picking up an injury ahead of a move elsewhere.
He is now a free agent and likely to attract plenty of interest, with Brentford, Bristol City, Scottish giants Rangers and Turkish outfit Galatasary said to be among his admirers.
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Detailing those who have been released and retained on the club’s official website, Athletic manager Lee Bowyer said of departing duo Taylor and Chris Solly: "I would like to wish Chris and Lyle the best.
"They both gave everything for the club every time they pulled on the shirt and they've both been an important part of the team during my time here. I wish them all the best for the future."
However, Bowyer admits he was left “hurt” by the decision of Taylor, Solly and Birmingham City loanee David Davis not to finish the season at The Valley.
He told talkSPORT: "Once that (their decision) got announced then I had to move on and just focus on the group I had.
“The group I have, I know they’ll always give 100 per cent for the club - and that’s the most important thing for me. That’s what I needed to know moving forward.
“We haven’t looked back at that. That’s gone. That’s the past.
“The players who have stepped in are doing really well and fighting for the cause.
“That’s old news for me.
“I was hurt, but it’s one of those situations where if we didn’t have the pandemic then they would have finished the season, no doubt.
“It’s a difficult situation for all the players, they all had their reasons why they didn’t want to play.
"Did I understand it? Yes, I did to a certain extent. But did it hurt? Of course it did, because I believe once you start something, you finish it.
"They made their decision and we’ve moved on from that.”
